Berkshire Hathaway weekend: Omaha traffic tips

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Each spring, there is a weekend where the population of Omaha swells as stakeholders and investors for Berkshire Hathaway visit the metro for their annual meeting.

With the high amount of visitors from out of town, it is a good time to review some of the highest-impact traffic situations and how best to navigate them through the weekend:

Traveling to CHI Health Center

This is of course where the Berkshire Hathaway meeting will be held. The three main lots for parking near the Convention Center at CHI Health Center can be found: immediately north of CHI Health Center at 10th and Abbott; immediately west across 10th Street from CHI Health Center; and southeast of CHI Health Center near 8th and Capitol.

The simplest option for access is the lot at 10th and Abbott. Those who arrive at Eppley Airfield will simply need to take Abbott Drive south from the airport and turn into the lot before reaching 10th Street. Those coming in through Omaha can make their way to Cuming Street, then continue past 10th Street and turn right into the lot.

The lot across the street from CHI Health Center becomes tricky to access due to streetcar construction impacts to 10th Street. 10th Street has head-to-head one lane travel in place between Dodge Street and Capitol Avenue. It may be easiest to take Capitol east to 13th, turn right onto Mike Fahey Street, then turn into the lot. Capitol does also have some lane restrictions just west of this recommended route (closer to 16th); it is one of several east/west roads that also have lane restrictions downtown. Douglas, Farnam and Harney also have some restrictions in stretches between 10th and 17th Streets.

The lot at 8th and Capitol will be easiest to access by taking Douglas Street east to 8th Street, then turn left and head toward the lot on your right. This is the only possible route to access this lot as both 8th Street and Capitol Avenue have closures north and south of this area.

Walking downtown

Many sites downtown like Heartland of America Park, Gene Leahy Mall and Charles Schwab Field can be visited by foot with no problems. However, if you venture closer to Farnam and Harney Streets or to 10th Street just south of CHI Health Center, know that there are some sidewalks closed while streetcar construction takes place. Signs with detours for pedestrians are in place to help guide you to your destination.

Navigating Midtown

For those looking to see the building where Warren Buffett has worked for years, be ready to brave a lot of construction! This building is at the intersection of 36th and Farnam, right in the heart of streetcar work. Farnam Street is currently one lane with westbound travel only between Turner Boulevard and 38th Street. You will need to go south from Dodge Street on Turner, then turn right onto Farnam at the road closure. Use caution with the lane restrictions as the road gets tight in some spots. There is a parking garage on 38th Street just south of Farnam; from there, you can walk back to the Blackstone Plaza at 36th and Farnam.

While walking around in Midtown, note that many sidewalks are currently closed. For example, the sidewalk along the south side of Farnam between Blackstone Plaza and 34th Street is closed; you will need to cross the street at 36th Street and walk on the north side sidewalk. As mentioned for downtown, you will want to follow any guidance on detours for pedestrians.

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