Harney Streetscape project to focus on pedestrian safety on busy street [Video]

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Friday, city and state officials announced a new streetscape project to improve safety for pedestrians, residents and visitors in the Blackstone District.

Project goals include reducing traffic speeds, shortening crossing distances, widening sidewalks and improving lighting from 41st to 38th streets on Harney.

During construction, crews will relocate existing street lighting, extend and improve sidewalks and signal lights, add protected parking on the southside of Harney, shortening the road from 3 lanes to 2, along with other improvements to make drivers and pedestrians more aware of each other.

“When you got those one way streets people are zooming down in one direction,” said Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. “You do the two way, it tends slow it down a little bit and that’s the primary reason we converted Farnam to two way is because of safety. We’re always looking out for the safety and we’re always looking …