The landscape along Omaha’s streetcar route is undergoing significant changes.
Construction has led to street closures, altered traffic patterns, and fenced-off areas for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, trees are being removed to make way for the project.
“Last year, we removed about 100 trees along the streetcar line,” said Austin Rowser, Assistant Transportation Director for Omaha Public Works. “This spring, around 80 more are marked for removal, and that work will begin soon.”
Rowser emphasized that Omaha is taking environmental considerations into account when removing trees.
“We have a contract in place to remove trees before nesting season starts, ensuring we don’t disrupt migratory birds,” he said.
The city plans to remove only trees within the right-of-way and has no plans to disturb older, well-established trees.
However, experts warn that removing trees in urban areas can have negative effects. Trees help prevent heat islands by providing shade and reducing carbon emissions from heavy traffic.
“Streetcars will help reduce emissions,” Rowser explained. “They run on electricity, producing no direct emissions. We hope this will decrease traffic and vehicle-related pollution.”
To address the loss of shade and cooling effects, Omaha has plans to add more greenery.
“We’re working on various programs within the right-of-way,” Rowser said. “We collaborate with Keep Omaha Beautiful, and public works is funding tree replacements. In several corridors, we’re expanding the tree canopy and removing some concrete to combat urban heat islands.”
Rowser also noted that the cost of removing trees for the streetcar project will be covered by the project budget itself, meaning no tax dollars will be used for this purpose.
