Salem council panel plans street project for east side

SALEM -- A city council committee will recommend to the entire panel that the city undertake a nearly $1.7 million street project to alleviate congestion in the city's east side commercial district.
Service Director Joe Julian outlined the proposal Wednesday to a council committee, which agreed to the plan.
Being proposed is rebuilding and extending East Third Street from Highland Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue.
Also planned is extending Bentley Drive from Madison Avenue to Continental Drive.
The project also would entail rebuilding Roosevelt from East State Street to Bentley Drive.
The city probably would borrow the money to undertake the project, which could start in early spring and be finished in about eight months if council authorizes it, Julian said.
Extending the streets would give local drivers more options in and around the congested commercial district, which is primarily along East State Street.
Traffic is expected to increase when a new Wal-Mart opens near the intersection of East State and Cunningham Road.