Public input will be sought at a long range transportation plan meeting planned for Thursday to discuss future transportation projects and improvements that could be made throughout Ames.

The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, with the help of HWS Consulting Group Inc., is constructing the Long Range Transportation Plan and holding this meeting to address the public’s reaction to the alternatives that will be proposed.

Two projects being discussed that could impact the ISU campus are intersection improvements at 13th Street and Stange Road and widening and resurfacing the Stange corridor, which is north of Veenker Memorial Golf Course. These ideas may or may not be part of the final plan, said Matt Flynn, director of planning and housing.

“We are looking at two options for the intersection,” said Mike Gorman, HWS consultant. “Adding a north/south turning lane or putting in a roundabout.”

The plan is looking at transportation needs for the next 25 to 30 years and will be updated every five years, allowing for revisions and changes as needed, said John Joiner, interim director of public works. It helps Ames qualify for federal funding for projects such as roadway, pedestrian, bicycle and transit improvements by providing plans and budget information. Parking, street maintenance, snow removal, CyRide, parks and recreational areas are not in the plan.

“There are about 25 major projects included in the LRTP,” Flynn said. “Major means the cost will be $1 million or more.”

Other alternatives that will be discussed are: extending Bloomington Road out to the interstate, widening South Dakota to four lanes with a turning lane, adding a connecting road from Elwood Drive to 13th Street by Brookside Park and making Highway 69 past the Ada Hayden Park five lanes.

The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers of Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Ave., at 6:30 p.m.