🚧 Lincoln City Infrastructure & Community Projects Update – October 2026

Updated: October 15, 2026

Multiple infrastructure, utility, transportation, and community projects are moving forward across Lincoln City.

Some projects are under construction, others have received City Council approval, and several remain in the planning stages.

Here's a look at the major projects we're currently tracking, including recent approvals, construction schedules, and outstanding questions.

🚰 Water System & Utility Updates

Citywide Smart Water Meter Upgrade

Status: Phase 4 Approved / Installation Continuing

Lincoln City's multi-year project to replace aging water meters with wireless radio-read meters continues.

The project involves more than 10,000 water meters throughout the city.

At its September 28, 2026 meeting, City Council approved additional work involving Phase 4 water meters and radio equipment.

The upgraded meters are intended to:

• Improve billing accuracy

• Identify possible water leaks sooner

• Reduce manual meter reading

• Modernize the City's water system

The original project schedule anticipated completion during summer 2026. However, with Phase 4 work approved in September, the overall completion status and final cost are still worth following.

💧 Water & Sewer Rate Changes

Status: Approved September 14, 2026

After months of discussion, Lincoln City Council approved changes to the water and sewer rate structure on September 14, 2026.

The approved resolution includes a 6% increase in base rates for both water and sewer.

The revised structure also includes a 400-cubic-foot usage allowance and tiered charges for higher water use.

Short-term rentals are being moved to commercial classifications, and rates for customers outside city limits are set at 212% of inside-city rates.

The projected additional annual revenue presented with the proposal was approximately:

• Water: $789,000

• Sewer: $1.06 million

Combined projected additional annual revenue: Approximately $1.85 million.

These are projected revenue increases, not the total utility revenue or a confirmed amount available for individual construction projects.

We'll continue watching how the changes affect customer bills and how the additional revenue is allocated toward operations, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements.

🚰 Lincoln 44 — Future Water Reservoir

Status: Property Acquired / Future Planning

The Lincoln City Urban Renewal Agency purchased the property commonly known as Lincoln 44 for $1.025 million.

The property has been identified for a future 5-million-gallon water reservoir as part of the City's long-term water system planning.

Lincoln 44 has also been discussed as a possible alternate location for a future City Hall and Library.

No final decision has been confirmed to use this property for a new civic facility.

Because the property has been connected to two different long-term planning discussions, we'll continue watching how the City addresses future reservoir needs, land use, and potential facility development.

🚧 Highway 101 Utility & Street Improvements

NW 34th Street to NE Holmes Road

Status: Design / Construction Scheduled for 2027

ODOT's Highway 101 improvement project remains in the design phase.

Planned improvements include:

• New sidewalks along the east side of Highway 101

• ADA-accessible curb ramps

• Storm drainage improvements

• Possible bicycle lane improvements

ODOT's current schedule lists construction for 2027, rather than summer 2026.

ODOT estimated design and construction cost: $3,130,973.

🚰 Highway 101 Waterline Relocation — Holmes Road

Status: Construction Scheduled for Fall 2026

Lincoln City is preparing to relocate existing water infrastructure along Highway 101 near NE Holmes Road.

This work is necessary before ODOT's planned drainage and sidewalk improvements.

The project includes relocation of approximately 8 inches of water main infrastructure along the project corridor.

The City lists fall 2026 as the anticipated construction start.

A confirmed start date and any traffic restrictions will be important as construction approaches.

🚧 Highway 101 ADA Curb Ramp Improvements

Status: Construction Phase / Completion Date Needs Confirmation

ODOT continues its Highway 101 ADA curb ramp improvement project in Lincoln City.

The project includes upgraded pedestrian ramps and accessibility improvements along portions of Highway 101.

ODOT's September 29 update identifies additional retaining-wall work near NE 1st Street and NW 2nd Drive.

Expected impacts include:

• Daytime construction

• Southbound traffic shifting into the center turn lane between NW 6th Street and D River

• Possible delays and construction noise

ODOT's published schedule originally anticipated completion in summer 2026, but the September update continued to identify construction activity.

ODOT lists a design and construction project budget of $23,252,051.

This is the published project budget, not a final expenditure total.

🚧 NE Neptune Street Improvements

Location: NE Neptune Drive between NE 63rd Street and NE 66th Street

Status: Under Construction

The City now lists the NE Neptune improvement project as under construction.

Improvements include:

• Approximately 900 feet of mountable curb

• Stormwater drainage improvements

• Roadway reconstruction and upgrades

The work is intended to improve drainage, roadway function, and long-term street conditions.

Motorists and nearby residents should expect periodic traffic restrictions and construction activity.

A final completion date has not been confirmed.

🚰 Spring Lake Distribution Project

Status: Construction Program / Completion Not Confirmed

The City is developing additional water infrastructure to connect the existing distribution system with the new Spring Lake Pump Station.

The project includes approximately:

• 725 linear feet of 16-inch water main

• 1,365 linear feet of 12-inch waterline

The improvements are intended to:

• Improve water-system reliability

• Increase service capacity

• Strengthen the City's distribution system

Construction was originally scheduled to begin in summer 2026.

A current completion date has not been confirmed.

🚰 Spring Lake Water Pump Station

Status: Approved / Construction Planned

The City is also moving forward with a new Spring Lake water booster pump station.

The project includes a new pump station building, mechanical and electrical equipment, and associated site and roadway improvements.

The City has announced that the project is approved and construction is anticipated in the coming months.

We'll continue following the construction schedule, contract costs, and completion timeline.

🚰 Holmes Road Pump Station Upgrade

Status: Previously Contracted / Current Completion Status Unconfirmed

The Holmes Road Pump Station project is designed to improve sewer pumping capacity, reduce unwanted stormwater entering the sewer system, and modernize monitoring and alarm equipment.

The City previously awarded a construction contract for this project.

An updated October 2026 construction or completion status has not been confirmed.

This project remains important as Lincoln City continues addressing sewer capacity, reliability, and aging infrastructure.

🏗️ Nelscott Infrastructure

Status: Infrastructure Construction / Road Access Updates

Nelscott continues to be an important area of infrastructure investment.

Nelscott Pressure Gravity Main Project

Construction during 2026 affected portions of SE High School Drive and SE 48th Place.

The City's earlier notices listed closures of SE High School Drive from SE Spy Glass Ridge Drive to SE 48th Place.

Some city notices have since indicated that High School Drive reopened, while other notices still display outdated closure information.

SE 48th Place has also been subject to restrictions, including the area between SE Jetty Avenue and SE 51st Street.

Current access and any remaining closures should be verified with Public Works before traveling through the construction area.

We'll continue following final road restoration, project completion, and the costs associated with this infrastructure work.

🛣️ Additional Road & Infrastructure Projects

Several additional improvements are moving forward or remain in the City's capital planning.

NE Port Avenue / NE 19th Street

Status: Temporary Closures Planned for October 2026

Temporary closures lasting approximately four to five weeks were identified in connection with utility improvements.

Exact starting and reopening dates have not been confirmed.

SE 2nd Street Sewer Inflow & Infiltration Improvements

Status: Contract Approved September 28, 2026

City Council approved a contract with K&E Excavating for sewer inflow and infiltration improvements.

Approved contract amount: Not to exceed $199,521.64.

The work is intended to help address unwanted water entering the sewer system.

A confirmed construction start date has not yet been identified.

Other Projects We're Tracking

• SE 19th Street improvements

• Gravel street paving

• Traffic calming

• Sidewalk and pedestrian improvements

• Highway 101 drainage and culvert improvements

• Additional sewer inflow and infiltration work

We'll continue adding individual updates as schedules, approved contracts, and actual expenditures become available.

🌲 Schooner Creek Discovery Park

Location: 4815 SE 51st Street

✅ Phase 1 — Complete

The first phase, including the inclusive and accessible playground, opened in December 2024.

🚧 Phase 2 — Development and Completion Updates

Phase 2 improvements include:

• Entry plaza

• Event stage

• Flexible lawn

• Covered picnic shelters

• Accessible restrooms

• Public art and related site improvements

Construction progress and remaining work are subjects we'll continue tracking.

🏟️ Phase 3 — Target Completion Fall 2026

The final phase includes:

• Permanent pickleball courts

• Covered multi-sports court

• Synthetic turf sports field

• Walking paths

• Additional recreation amenities

The City's published target has been fall 2026.

📅 October 21, 2026 — Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

The board is scheduled to receive updates and discuss:

• Soil remediation at Schooner Creek Discovery Park

• Progress on Phases 2 and 3

• Project completion timelines

• Other parks and recreation improvements

• Cost recovery and department operations

This is an upcoming meeting. No decisions from the October 21 meeting have been recorded yet.

We'll be watching for revised completion dates, additional costs, and information regarding the soil remediation work.

🏗️ Taft Pavilion & Gazebo Improvements

Status: Project Delivery Approved September 28, 2026

Lincoln City Council approved moving forward with a progressive design-build approach for the Taft Pavilion and Gazebo project.

This is a project delivery authorization, not confirmation that construction has begun.

We'll continue following the design, contract amounts, construction schedule, and eventual project cost.

🏛️ City Hall & Library

Status: Bond Measure Before Voters / Facility Decision Pending

The future of Lincoln City's City Hall and Library remains one of the City's largest financial and facility decisions.

A $58 million general obligation bond measure is on the November 2026 ballot.

The bond would authorize borrowing up to $58 million for eligible facility improvements, subject to the ballot measure's terms.

Options discussed have included renovations or redevelopment at Lincoln Square and consideration of an alternate location.

Lincoln 44 has been identified in discussions as a possible alternate location, although the property was acquired for future water reservoir planning.

At the September 28 City Council meeting, councilors unanimously approved a motion directing staff to prepare a contingency plan addressing City Hall and Library needs if the bond fails.

The plan was requested before the November election.

We'll continue tracking:

• The proposed $58 million bond

• Facility repair and replacement costs

• Alternative locations

• Deferred maintenance

• Contingency planning

• Financing and future taxpayer obligations

• Final City Council decisions

Voter approval would authorize borrowing under the measure; it would not mean the entire amount must automatically be spent.

🧭 Highway 101 Reconfiguration — New Discussion

Status: Council Work Session Scheduled October 20, 2026

Highway 101 reconfiguration has appeared in materials for the upcoming October 20 City Council work session.

This is a discussion and planning item.

No new highway reconfiguration construction should be considered approved solely because the topic appears on the work-session agenda.

We'll continue reviewing what changes are being considered, the associated costs, potential traffic impacts, and whether the City or ODOT would be responsible for implementation.

🧭 Lincoln City Comprehensive Plan 2043

Status: Ongoing Long-Term Planning

The Comprehensive Plan continues guiding decisions involving:

• Housing

• Transportation

• Economic development

• Public facilities

• Parks and recreation

• Natural resources

• Future land use

Many of the projects residents see today are connected to longer-range planning decisions.

We'll continue following proposed amendments and how the plan influences future infrastructure spending and development.

🌊 Watershed & Environmental Projects

Status: Ongoing Planning and Improvements

Lincoln City continues addressing water quality, stormwater management, drainage, and environmental conditions.

Areas to watch include:

• Stormwater runoff

• Flooding and drainage

• Creek and watershed protection

• Culvert improvements

• Sewer inflow and infiltration

• Soil remediation at Schooner Creek Discovery Park

These projects may not always be as visible as road construction, but they can influence infrastructure costs, public safety, future development, and environmental conditions.

👀 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

✔ Approved water and sewer rate changes

✔ Phase 4 smart water meter installation and total project cost

✔ Spring Lake Pump Station and distribution improvements

✔ Lincoln 44 and future reservoir planning

✔ Nelscott sewer construction and road access

✔ NE Neptune Street construction

✔ NE Port Avenue and NE 19th Street closures

✔ Highway 101 ADA improvements and traffic impacts

✔ Highway 101 reconfiguration discussions

✔ Schooner Creek Discovery Park phases and soil remediation

✔ Taft Pavilion and Gazebo improvements

✔ City Hall and Library bond and contingency planning

✔ Approved contracts, change orders, final costs, and funding sources

As these projects move forward, we'll continue updating the facts, costs, timelines, and decisions that affect Lincoln City residents.

A project being discussed, designed, or approved does not necessarily mean construction has started. We'll continue distinguishing between proposed work, approved projects, active construction, and completed improvements.

Stay informed. Stay connected.

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