Omaha officials say no changes coming to address Saddle Creek flooding

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Saddle Creek Road dates to the early 1900s.

For as long as it’s been around, flooding has been a problem, according to North Omaha historian Adam Fletcher Sasse. It was built on a creek, so it’s no surprise that water quickly accumulates with heavy downpours like Tuesday’s severe weather.

After a century of dealing with it, that leaves the question: is this something that can be fixed?

In 2006, the City of Omaha alongside UNMC asked themselves that too.

A Saddle Creek Relocation Feasibility Study suggested moving the problem road west. At the time it was an estimated cost of $40 million including construction and right-of-way, according to UNMC.

As for how much that would run the city now, 17 years later: “I wouldn’t even venture to put a dollar amount on it,” said public works director Austin Rowser.

6 News sat down with Rowser and councilmember Danny Begley, who represents the area, to ask if there plans to address continued flooding.

“I mean it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to fix that issue,” said Begley.

“Nothing in the works right now,” said Rowser. “When it was originally designed and constructed, I don’t know that they planned for as many rooftops and the pavement to be in the watershed as we have today.”

With no major plans to address it: “We just deal with it the best we can,” said Begley. “Short of raising a massive amount of tax dollars, we’ll just try to mitigate it the best we can.”

They both reminded people whether they’re from here or not, the same rules apply: turn around if they see rising water.

Debris pile-up can also contribute to flooding. City officials suggest people call public works with any concerns so they can address blockages promptly. Another hazard they can address is displaced manholes or storm drain covers that have moved due to flooding.

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