Projects outlined in the draft of Albany's new transportation plan total more than $238 million, and the public will have a chance for comment before the year is out.

Public hearings have been scheduled on the plan in November and December 2009 at City Hall before the:

• Planning commission, Nov. 16, at 5:15 p.m.

• City council, Dec. 9, at 7:15 p.m.

By far the largest part of the plan concerns roadway improvements, estimated to total nearly $196 million. They include the extension of 53rd Avenue eastward across the Union Pacific tracks, a project contemplated when plans for a Gatorade plant were still in the works.

The plan also calls for about $2.1 million in bike-related projects, more than $16 million of work on intersections, nearly $16 million on multi-use paths, under $7 million on improvements for pedestrians, and less than $1 million for studies.

Whether any of the projects in the plan get built by 2030, the plan's target date, depends on available funding and other factors.

The total includes projects in three categories according to when they might be needed or built: short, medium and long term.

Among the short-term improvements proposed for motor traffic are changes - signals or otherwise - at several intersections, including Main Street and Salem Avenue.

One of the medium-term proposals would fix it so traffic on Ellsworth Street from downtown could drive on to Pacific Boulevard southbound without having to stop.

Copies of the plan are available at City Hall, at Albany's public libraries and on the city's website, www.cityofalbany.net.

Democrat-Herald