Over this past summer, Interstate 80 began construction, redoing the bridges entering Giles Street heading East and Westbound. This abrupt inconvenience has limited the available lane use from four lanes to only two. According to Taylor Rewczuk, a daily I-80 user,
Taylor details that on most days she has to stay at school and do work until 6 P.M. to avoid the traffic and save herself thirty minutes.
People are becoming restless due to delays and constant interruptions to their daily drives. Since many students take I-80 for their daily commute, these delays can result in students being late for school. To stay prepared, it is advised that people leave their homes earlier or take an alternative route to school. For even better preparation, it’s recommended to check your maps for the quickest route to and from your destination.
Not only has the construction on I-80 taken a toll on us, but the roadwork in Omaha has gotten out of control. Several main roads in Omaha are being blocked off, leading to longer commutes and requiring more cautious driving. Roads like 72nd, 84th, L, and 60th are just a few where traffic can add at least ten minutes to a typical non-rush hour commute.
Pictured on the left is student Clarisa Marcano driving through the new, freshly paved roads with no traffic trouble.
Students and parents can breathe a sigh of relief as the construction is predicted to be done by the end of October 2025. A moment of stress is soon anticipated to lift the spirits before the winter “blues” hit.
UPDATE: As of Saturday, October 25, the interstate has opened all four lanes heading westward. Unfortunately, the eastbound Giles ramp is still undergoing construction. Pictured below is student Clarisa Marcano driving through the newly paved roads with no traffic trouble.
Although it may seem like an inconvenience to the average driver, it was a constant battle for those who use the same commute on a day-to-day basis. What once was a dreadful presence has now turned into a moment of relief for the rest of the school year.
It is important to be aware of traffic troubles and construction zones so that drivers can reach their destination on time by making proactive decisions. Sometimes it can feel like too much work, but in the end, it’s worth being thirty minutes early rather than late.
