Increasing Commute Times

[TitosBuritoBarn]

The OWH ran an editorial recently that I thought was pretty interesting. It details how commute times in the city are quickly increasing:

Hansen: The once-simple trip to work in Omaha? It's fading fast
http://www.omaha.com/columnists/hansen/ ... a5ac2.html

It got me thinking and I guess an OWH sports reporter, Sam McKewon, beat me to the punch on Twitter, but it seems to me that some of our commute woes are brought upon by ourselves and perhaps a need to keep up with the Jonses. At some point "the Jonses" decided that west Millard/Elkhorn were where the coolest families ought to reside and everyone with a desire to keep up with them followed suit, my parents included. And it was "fine," but now "too many" people wanting to keep up with the Jonses has created a rather lopsided metropolitan area. Without many geographic barriers, Omaha could easily exist as a metropolitan area where the central business district is actually in the central part of the urban area. But it isn't. It's on the side. And it's not to say that I think Omaha really has that bad of traffic problems compared to other cities, because it really doesn't all things considered, but things could be better if the population was more evenly distributed. Putting aside the argument that you could live more centralized within the city in the Westside, Dundee, or Midtown areas and likely have a pretty easy commute, those wanting a new house on the edge of town away from a high density of people could easily find what they're looking for in Council Bluffs. It may not have the raw numbers of shiny new suburbia, but commuting is a breeze into downtown and Aksarben, especially after they complete the unnecessary expansion of I-29/I-80, plus the sun is at your back instead of in your eyes. It has many of the same amenities, including two shiny, new suburban power centers, great recreation, and housing to fit every lifestyle. It even has a legitimate downtown with cute, eclectic shops, restaurants, and entertainment. But it's not what the Jonses have defined as cool. And thus we reap what we sow.

[Busguy2010]

I thought that article was funny, and honestly ineffective. Duh, If you live in far northwest Omaha everything is out of reach for you.

I'm gonna chock this problem up to Omaha's lack of planning for that northwest expansion. We really needed a northwest version of I-80. Historically, Omaha is a north-south city and I think it was a mistake not to regulate the growth as more of a fan like Chicago and keeping the growth more compressed to the river and the ponca hills. Instead, we went all out southwest and straight west. Luckily we were able to finish the Dodge Expressway before it really became a problem, but the whole northwest portion of town is a blatant afterthought. We really should have built the radial hwy as a freeway.

[nativeomahan]

I agree. On the other hand, when you move to the deep end of the pool you really have no right to complain that you are having a hard time keeping your head above water. These people chose to live where they did. They enjoy the perceived pluses, but a quick commute into the city won’t be among them.

[buildomaha]

I agree. On the other hand, when you move to the deep end of the pool you really have no right to complain that you are having a hard time keeping your head above water. These people chose to live where they did. They enjoy the perceived pluses, but a quick commute into the city won’t be among them.

Couldn’t agree more. The people who complain that’s there’s nothing to do and nowhere to eat are the ones who live in the exurbs. It’s an choice you make for yourself.

[nebugeater]

So the the same holds true for those that choose to live DT and complain there is no place to buy groceries. You chose to live there knowing the shortcoming so don’t complain.

See there is alway too sides. Neither is right or wrong but don’t condem someone who makes a different choice than you

[Uffda]

I looked at that article and chosen paths and thought I bet if she shifted to the north to either Ida or State then to Blair High Road and either I680 to 30th st or jump on Sorensen Speedway ..er..Parkway to N 75— she might find although a few miles farther -definitely faster with very few stoplights.

[damonhynes]

Heck, I'm disgusted because there's an additional traffic light along NE-50!

[Stargazer]

Yeah, Omaha still has good commute times... no need for a new beltway... just deal with it (if you actually think there's a problem). You want better commute times, move back to the city.

[damonhynes]

Yeah, Omaha still has good commute times... no need for a new beltway... just deal with it (if you actually think there's a problem). You want better commute times, move back to the city.

And I thought the Internet/telecommuting was going to end all this angst, anyhow!

[nativeomahan]

So the the same holds true for those that choose to live DT and complain there is no place to buy groceries. You chose to live there knowing the shortcoming so don’t complain.

See there is alway too sides. Neither is right or wrong but don’t condem someone who makes a different choice than you

Big difference. No matter how one might wish or hope, or how much $ one will manage to throw at the problem of living 15 or more miles away from downtown, you will always still be 15 or more miles from downtown. However adding something as simple as a grocery store with a pharmacy downtown is clearly within the range of possibilities. At some point, probably within 5 years, the powers that be will crunch the numbers and determine that there are enough stomachs to feed downtown to justify an urban grocery store. Adding 350 more housing units on the present ConAgra campus means about 500 people. Toss in another 100 or so mouths living at 10th and Capitol. The dots are lining up, and will soon connect.

[FirebirdEngineer]

Having just recently moved to Southern California, I will never complain about Omaha traffic ever again.

[ita]

Just thought I should post this to garner some conversation concerning this topic.

https://www.omaha.com/news/plus/as-omah ... 18bb7.html

There has been an increase in commute time by 1.3 minutes and, according to the article, a decrease in people using public transportation, percentage wise. According to this https://www.walletwyse.com/articles/cha ... mmute-2018, we still have the shortest commute times, tied with Des Moines, among to 100 biggest cities in the US. I think our short commutes is one of draws of people considering the City, so I definitely feel like we should focus on being able to provide other transportation options to reduce automobile traffic. However, the difficulty is determining how best to use our limited funds to accomplish this goal. I know we have all discussed this previously, but MAPA and the Dept. of Transportation is preparing a comprehensive plan to address the growing issues of traffic and commute times in the Metro. What do you all want to see on it?

[GenX]

Just thought I should post this to garner some conversation concerning this topic.

https://www.omaha.com/news/plus/as-omah ... 18bb7.html

There has been an increase in commute time by 1.3 minutes and, according to the article, a decrease in people using public transportation, percentage wise. According to this https://www.walletwyse.com/articles/cha ... mmute-2018, we still have the shortest commute times, tied with Des Moines, among to 100 biggest cities in the US. I think our short commutes is one of draws of people considering the City, so I definitely feel like we should focus on being able to provide other transportation options to reduce automobile traffic. However, the difficulty is determining how best to use our limited funds to accomplish this goal. I know we have all discussed this previously, but MAPA and the Dept. of Transportation is preparing a comprehensive plan to address the growing issues of traffic and commute times in the Metro. What do you all want to see on it?

I’d like to see the right hand lane on SB I-680 south of Center extended to the ramp used to merge onto I-80 WB. This way the left two lanes could be dedicated to I-80 EB, and the right two dedicated to I-80 WB. There’s always a bottleneck in this area during the evening rush. Another thing I’d like to see is an extra lane that goes from the ILQ on-ramp that merges onto I-80 WB all the way to the Harrison St exit. This is another area where traffic backs up due to the forced merge.

[BRoss]

I’d like to see the right hand lane on SB I-680 south of Center extended to the ramp used to merge onto I-80 WB. This way the left two lanes could be dedicated to I-80 EB, and the right two dedicated to I-80 WB.

Same here! I've even written NDOT about it because the second lane tends to be much more crowded since people in that lane can go east or west. And since the third lane ends right after merging onto I-80W, most just use the other lane. To me it would make so much sense to have the two left lanes go east and the two right to go west.

As for the auxiliary lane west of I-L-Q, there are plans for that. But I don't remember when (or if) it is scheduled.

[OmahaOmaha]

Has anyone considered that the increase of 1.3 minutes might be caused by all those big buses stopping on the street so many times, blocking an entire lane of traffic. If you get stuck behind one of those things, the extra time can add up fast. What's irritating is when you finally pass the darn thing, you see there are only one or two people riding the thing, and the big black cloud coming out of the thing every time it leaves a bus stop is more pollution than a couple hundred cars.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Has anyone considered that the increase of 1.3 minutes might be caused by all those big buses stopping on the street so many times, blocking an entire lane of traffic. If you get stuck behind one of those things, the extra time can add up fast. What's irritating is when you finally pass the darn thing, you see there are only one or two people riding the thing, and the big black cloud coming out of the thing every time it leaves a bus stop is more pollution than a couple hundred cars.

You’re suggesting that every commuter in Omaha waits behind a bus for more time than it takes to reheat leftover pizza every single day and that this is new?

[Busguy2010]

Has anyone considered that the increase of 1.3 minutes might be caused by all those big buses stopping on the street so many times, blocking an entire lane of traffic. If you get stuck behind one of those things, the extra time can add up fast. What's irritating is when you finally pass the darn thing, you see there are only one or two people riding the thing, and the big black cloud coming out of the thing every time it leaves a bus stop is more pollution than a couple hundred cars.

You’re suggesting that every commuter in Omaha waits behind a bus for more time than it takes to reheat leftover pizza every single day and that this is new?

I can relate. I get stuck behind a bus almost every day. The people in the other lane act like they knew the bus was there, literally speeding by me, and they never consider to let me in. I can't count how many other people pass me every time I'm waiting for some schlub to board a bus that doesn't go anywhere important. Its so frustrating!. Let me be honest, I tried to ride the bus once, but it sucked. I had to walk to the stop, waited like 5+ minutes while everybody driving by judged me, and when I got on the bus, I had to sit next to someone. And then, every time, someone stops somewhere weird slowing everybody else down. I quit that gig real quick. Needless to say, I hate buses and they need to go. There better not be a bus stopped in front of me tomorrow

[Omababe]

If I'm spending 1.3 minutes more during an early morning or mid afternoon commute I sure don't notice it, and in general I don't think of the Omaha area having any real issues with commute traffic.

However, what I have noticed, mostly over the past year or so, is a definite increase in incidental trip times during the day. Driving around for business, lunch, or errands just seems to take longer. Things (some have been cited here) such as a slow bus in the right lane, left turners in the left lane, misprogrammed flashing-yellow arrows, etc.

I also think (do not have any data to back it) that the wait time for a red at an intersection of a main artery and a less-used cross street has increased over the past year or so. Nowadays it seems like it takes FOREVER for a red to change or that countdown timer to FINALLY start! I'm actually starting to plan routes to minimize left turns and less-used streets.

Still, however, stoplight timing in the Omaha area seems quicker than in many other areas. Orange County, Santa Monica area, and Las Vegas come to mind immediately for longer stoplight cycles.

[ita]

If I'm spending 1.3 minutes more during an early morning or mid afternoon commute I sure don't notice it, and in general I don't think of the Omaha area having any real issues with commute traffic.

However, what I have noticed, mostly over the past year or so, is a definite increase in incidental trip times during the day. Driving around for business, lunch, or errands just seems to take longer. Things (some have been cited here) such as a slow bus in the right lane, left turners in the left lane, misprogrammed flashing-yellow arrows, etc.

I also think (do not have any data to back it) that the wait time for a red at an intersection of a main artery and a less-used cross street has increased over the past year or so. Nowadays it seems like it takes FOREVER for a red to change or that countdown timer to FINALLY start! I'm actually starting to plan routes to minimize left turns and less-used streets.

Still, however, stoplight timing in the Omaha area seems quicker than in many other areas. Orange County, Santa Monica area, and Las Vegas come to mind immediately for longer stoplight cycles.

I agree with this point. I live near 144th and Center, and Center can be terrible trying to get to I-80. Many times I go up to Dodge or down to L street to get to I-80 to avoid Center. It is particularly bad on weekends with the amount of traffic and lights, a trip that requires you to drive down Center will easily double. However, I am talking a 7 minute trip turning into to 15 minute trip. Nothing I cannot stand. On the other hand, the increased congestion over the last three years I have lived in this area is noticeable.

As to my commute to work, which this report concerns, I do not experience traffic at all. I do not drive on I-80 and my route is north to south (I work in North Business Park). However, there are some congestion points around my work that my coworkers drive through. Specifically, 120th and Maple; that is a terrible chock point at the end of the day.

I am an advocate of public transportation having used it through college when I lived on Oahu. That place has terrible traffic. I lived in West Oahu and went to school and worked in Downtown Honolulu. I could easily be stuck in traffic for an hour or more, or ride the bus for and hour and half to two hours, plus time to walk. The extra time was worth it as rather than be stuck doing nothing, I could nap or do homework. The Bus on Oahu does not have the stigma of the Metro in Omaha, even though we had cruddier buses. I hope that ORBT will get more people riding the bus downtown/midtown to help alleviate traffic along Dodge, but we will see. Omaha does not have the problems plaguing bigger cities. However, it is inevitable as we continue to grow. I hope the transportation plan will have some more concrete goals to provide more public transportation options especially going West to East.

[ScrattyB]

Another thing I’d like to see is an extra lane that goes from the ILQ on-ramp that merges onto I-80 WB all the way to the Harrison St exit. This is another area where traffic backs up due to the forced merge.

The girders/piers have been there for years. They just need to widen the deck and put up a barrier on the side. (assuming those girders are there for bridge support)

I live near 144th and Center, and Center can be terrible trying to get to I-80.

I agree. Traveling south down 144th to I-80 takes forever. It seems like going to Wahoo and then south wouldn't take much longer if you're going to Lincoln.

[ita]

Although this article focuses on the Blueprint Nebraska discussion, it mentions that Mayor Stothert has been in conversation with "private development partners" concerning improving public transportation, including light rail, ORBT, and driverless vehicles. I would be very surprised if the City is able to get a light rail project off the ground. It would be neat, though, and I think West Omahans would be more privy to travel via light rail than by bus, even though I don't necessarily understand the general looking-down on the bus.

https://www.omaha.com/money/businesses/ ... 496b0.html

[Cermak]

Was just in LA we have nothing to complain about.

[Dundeemaha]

I would be very surprised if the City is able to get a light rail project off the ground. It would be neat, though, and I think West Omahans would be more privy to travel via light rail than by bus, even though I don't necessarily understand the general looking-down on the bus.

Thanks for sharing the article.

On light rail, I wouldn't get your hopes up. Hal Daub and other Omaha streetcar advocates are fond of calling a street car "light rail". I hope Stothert makes a distinction, but I doubt it.

[Busguy2010]

Since we're on the subject



The more people see it the more likely people in power will.

[ita]

Since we're on the subject



The more people see it the more likely people in power will.

Thanks for reposting this. I am really hoping for a that the upcoming transportation plan will include 1) some consideration, even a mention, for more connectivity between Omaha and Lincoln, public transportation-wise, 2) increased robustness in urban public transportation, be it streetcar, modified bus routes, reduced emphasis on parking downtown, and 3) plans for alleviating traffic on Dodge and I-80, including extensions of ORBT past Westroads or a big daddy light rail/commuter rail.

[buildomaha]

If Omaha could decide to go all in on expanding ORBT with priority lanes for buses so that they are effectively LR, the city would be golden. Our city is setting itself up perfectly for public transportation by having hubs of urbanization throughout the city. See downtown, benson, Dundee, midtown, aksarben, west farms, the entire dodge corridor. I know that a lot of west Omahans would love to be able to easily get downtown for a game or a cool bar or a show in town without having to deal with driving through Omaha. Citywide ORBT would be great.

[Doctor Fate]

If Omaha could decide to go all in on expanding ORBT with priority lanes for buses so that they are effectively LR, the city would be golden. Our city is setting itself up perfectly for public transportation by having hubs of urbanization throughout the city. See downtown, benson, Dundee, midtown, aksarben, west farms, the entire dodge corridor. I know that a lot of west Omahans would love to be able to easily get downtown for a game or a cool bar or a show in town without having to deal with driving through Omaha. Citywide ORBT would be great.

I agree 100%. The "urban village" type setup reminds me of a much smaller version of the DC metro with Arlington, VA having Ballston, Crystal City, Penrose, Pentagon City, etc. Each one having a nice mix of residential, office, and retail space and public transportation for easy access.

[iamjacobm]

I would be curious to see data on average commute distance compared to average commute time. Driving from 192nd rather than 132nd will naturally take a few mins longer in no traffic. It is probably a combination of both, but it feels like the tone of those articles only addressed the issue as a congestion problem. We can widen every road and limit congestion, that will simply encourage more development at the edge and create the same problem they just "solved." Induced demand is real.

If the opposite is true, that distances have gone down or remained flat, then we should be seeing corridors with density that would support alternate modes. I am guessing this isn't the case though.

[ita]

If Omaha could decide to go all in on expanding ORBT with priority lanes for buses so that they are effectively LR, the city would be golden. Our city is setting itself up perfectly for public transportation by having hubs of urbanization throughout the city. See downtown, benson, Dundee, midtown, aksarben, west farms, the entire dodge corridor. I know that a lot of west Omahans would love to be able to easily get downtown for a game or a cool bar or a show in town without having to deal with driving through Omaha. Citywide ORBT would be great.

Here is an article that touches on this issue. One of the suggestions is expanded mass transit in the suburbs. This is absolutely essential, in my opinion. ORBT would be perfect for creating a relatively fast and efficient way to transport Western Omahans to Downtown/Midtown. We had an express on Oahu that was constantly full because it wasn't much longer, depending on where you were going. At least when I caught the bus, it didn't have the tech to communicate with lights either.

https://morningsky.com/omaha/posts/bike ... s-as-omaha

[milesej05]

In order to speed up I-80 traffic WB near 60th street, they really need to make that mile-long "Merge" lane go all the way through from 42nd street to 72nd street. All they have to do is open up a left turn lane from 60th street NB to get on an on-ramp rather than using the clover-leaf right turn to get on I-80 West.

There is ALWAYS a backup there when I'm heading home around 3:30pm on weekdays and if I leave work a half hour later then the backup is all the way to the I-480 split. After 60th/72nd streets the interstate opens up a bit more.

The most ANNOYING thing about the commute to or from 120th and Giles to Downtown (and back).

[skinzfan23]

In order to speed up I-80 traffic WB near 60th street, they really need to make that mile-long "Merge" lane go all the way through from 42nd street to 72nd street. All they have to do is open up a left turn lane from 60th street NB to get on an on-ramp rather than using the clover-leaf right turn to get on I-80 West.

I agree...I get off at 60th St, so I don't have the issue of traffic as much but I can tell that in the mornings it always backs up from 60th west. Another thing that makes it crazy are the people who ride in the far right lane but are continuing on I-80 and wait to merge until the last minute even though there are signs clearly announcing the the lane ends.

[Busguy2010]

It seems like just yesterday said lane didn't even exist and now its already an issue.

[milesej05]

Most of the time I can honestly say that people just see an open lane so they get into that lane to cruise by everyone else (sometimes on their cell phones) and then they see they run out of room and merge into a tight space so that makes the lane to the left slow down. In turn, the lane to the left of that people get scared and start braking too. etc.