Omaha Council Cleared Way for Roundabout Project
The city council held a public hearing regarding plans to replace the intersection at 42nd and Fontenelle.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in City Hall
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Omaha officials have moved forward with plans to replace the traffic signal at 42nd and Fontenelle with a roundabout. The project aims to improve safety following a series of accidents at the location.
Why it matters
The intersection has been prioritized for infrastructure improvements due to a high rate of vehicle crashes and recurring traffic safety issues. City leaders aim to mitigate speeding and red-light violations at the busy site.
The intersection experienced 35 crashes between 2018 and 2022, including one fatality. The city secured federal highway safety funds in the spring of 2026 to cover a portion of the project costs.
The players
Omaha City Council
This is the legislative body responsible for local governance and the approval of public infrastructure projects in Omaha.
Omaha Public Works
This city department manages municipal infrastructure projects including road safety and traffic signal maintenance.
New Covenant Church of God in Christ
This religious organization maintains its facility at the intersection of 42nd and Fontenelle.
The details
Omaha Public Works identified that the existing signal system does not effectively deter speeding or red-light running at the intersection. The city plans to remove the current stoplight and install a roundabout near the New Covenant Church of God in Christ.
Timeline
The intersection experienced 35 crashes between 2018 and 2022.
Omaha received federal highway safety funding in the spring of 2026.
The city council held a public hearing regarding the project on October 6, 2026.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.
Political Context
The project follows a pattern established by the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program to prioritize high-crash intersections for safety upgrades. While the city emphasizes safety, local opposition often centers on the impact of construction and land use on neighborhood landmarks.
Local residents and motorists should anticipate significant traffic flow changes once construction begins in early 2027. The installation of a roundabout will permanently replace the existing traffic signal system.
The takeaway
Replacing signalized intersections with roundabouts is a common strategy used to reduce high-speed impacts and fatal crashes. Drivers should familiarize themselves with modern roundabout navigation to ensure smooth transit through the area after completion.
Further reading
For more information on local infrastructure developments, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wowt.
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