Discussion about possible construction at the intersection of Duff and Lincoln Way this summer has sparked many responses among Ames residents.

Mike Clayton, an Ames city planner, said as of now there will be no construction at the intersection this summer.

During a public hearing held June 3 at City Hall, the Iowa DOT and the City of Ames explained the project, and the citizens of Ames were able to express their opinions.

“This method of research is called environmental analysis,” Clayton said.

At the meeting, Clayton said, one no-build alternative and two build alternatives were proposed.

The first alternative would involve widening Lincoln Way 19 feet on the north side to create a fifth, center left-turning lane. Grand Avenue would be extended 150 feet south of Lincoln Way to create new entrances for the DOT and Lincoln Center, Clayton said.

He added that the negative aspect of this plan is that twelve businesses on Lincoln Way would be displaced, directly or indirectly.

The second alternative, Clayton said, discussed calls for an extension of Grand Avenue to the south 3rd St., along with improvements to the intersections of Lincoln Way and Grand Ave., Lincoln Way and Duff, and Lincoln Way and Clark.

Clayton said the third, non-building alternative entails new lane configurations and retiming of traffic lights.

The Lincoln Way Improvement Association, he said, made a recommendation to extend Grand Avenue, without widening Lincoln Way. The cost and possible harm done to businesses were cited as strikes against the first two alternatives.

Another consideration involves the possibility of a Hy-Vee store being built near Lincoln Center.

If Hy-Vee decides to build a new store, extending Grand Avenue would seem a logical choice. Therefore, “a lot depends on what happens with Hy-Vee,” he said.

The public is welcome to send comments to the Ames Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa DOT Central Iowa Transportation Center, or the City of Ames Public Works Department through June 18, after which a final report will be made, Clayton added.