'Unacceptable': Pillen directs state to speed up traffic for Husker football gameday

Gov. Jim Pillen directed the Nebraska Department of Transportation to modify routes to allow "expedited travel" into downtown Lincoln for Saturday's Husker football season opener.

Nebraska kicks off the 2026 season at 11 a.m. against Ohio.

"Working in conjunction with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), NDOT is adjusting roadway access to help motorists contend with ongoing construction projects," Pillen's office said in a Friday statement.

One change includes making exit 401 off Interstate 80 to Interstate 180 available. Exit 401A will be available for visitors from Omaha to use for pre-game traffic only. 

Pillen outlined a number of routes fans should consider taking, whether they're coming from Omaha or Scottsbluff.

From Omaha

Those coming from the direction of Omaha are recommended to take these routes: 

• Interstate 80 to exit 409 for U.S. 6 at Waverly and follow U.S. west to Cornhusker Highway.
• I-80 to Exit 405 to 56th Street.
• I-80 to Exit 403 at 27th Street to Salt Creek Roadway.
• If you miss the recommended exits above, take I-80 to the Interstate 180 (exit 401) to southbound I-180 into downtown Lincoln.

From the west

If you're driving from the west, officials recommend these routes:

• Northwest 48th Street south to I-80 or U.S. 6. From Northwest 48th Street, travel east on U.S. 6 into downtown. From I-80 at Northwest 48th Street, travel east to exit 399 to take Cornhusker Highway east to I-180 south into downtown.
• West Fletcher Avenue to Northwest First Street. Travel east on Northwest First Street, which turns into Superior Street, to I-180 south into downtown Lincoln.
• Traffic that misses those recommended turns will be routed back to westbound I-80 at the 401 interchange to use exit 399 or 397.

"While these modifications should help expedite travel, fans are still advised to give themselves ample time to make the drive into Lincoln," Pillen's office said.

Construction woes

Pillen's announcement Friday comes amid a number of ongoing construction projects across Lincoln that could slow traffic.

It also comes just days after the State Patrol held a press conference addressing those construction challenges, and giving fans tips if they drive to the game. 

In a post on X, Pillen said he was briefed this week "on the likelihood for serious gameday traffic disruptions" due to lane closures at the I-80/I-180 interchange for bridge replacement and repair projects.

"While the orderly progress of our critical roads projects is always the priority, it was unacceptable to me for Husker fan traffic to be so badly delayed if there were alternatives available," Pillen said in the post. "I ordered my team to get to work to identify solutions."

Pillen's recommendations Friday largely mirror the tips the State Patrol and city officials announced Tuesday at a press conference.

In addition to the I-180 bridge work, other major construction projects are ongoing during the Husker football season, such as Project O Street. 

Hot start

Lincoln will be under a heat advisory during Saturday's Nebraska football home opener against Ohio, which kicks off at 11 a.m.

The National Weather Service extended a heat advisory for Lancaster County until 7 p.m. Saturday. The heat index is forecast to reach 105 degrees. The forecast high is 98 degrees.

At gametime, temps are expected to be in the upper 80s to low 90s and increase as the day goes on.

Because of the expected extreme heat, Nebraska Athletics will allow fans to bring one sealed water bottle into Memorial Stadium.

The stadium already allows personal empty water bottles inside the stadium for fans to be able to refill at water fountains.

Fans are encouraged to have a plan to stay hydrated. Memorial Stadium has medical staff on site for all home games.

If you become overwhelmed by heat, reach out to the nearest stadium official or event staff member or help.

For more gameday info, visit www.huskers.com/operations.