‘It’s just horrific’: Neighbors glad Lincoln Police are cracking down on O Street drivers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln Police Department is stepping up patrols to keep drivers safe on O Street.

The department announced two traffic enforcement campaigns Wednesday ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

“Everyone is probably aware of the history of cruising along O Street,” Capt. Max Hubka said. “Specifically with Memorial Day weekend being the kickoff for kind of the summertime activities.

SEE ALSO: Man pleads guilty in Lincoln’s deadly Memorial Day weekend crash

Homeowners near 52nd and O streets said cars speeding down O take shortcuts through their neighborhood.

“There’s been quite a few people killed right up here on 52nd,” Donald Zunkel said. “On Friday and Saturday night they come down O Street, and this is a good turn-away place.”  

This is the same intersection where two people died and 20 others were injured in a crash after the Memorial Day weekend cruise night two years ago. 

SEE ALSO: ‘It shouldn’t be happening in Lincoln’: Husker volleyball’s Lindsay Krause hit on O Street

LPD said the enforcement campaigns are a response to the deadly crashes, as well as reports of reckless driving and noise complaints. 

Bo Dowling, another area resident, said the noise is so bad that he has to keep his windows shut. 

“It’s just horrific, to the point where, really, you can’t spend time outside of your home,” he said.

SEE ALSO: ‘We see accidents all the time’: Residents react to LPD’s O Street enforcement project

Additional officers will be patrolling O Street during Memorial Day weekend from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

The second campaign runs from Friday until Aug. 31. More patrols will take place on nights and weekends.