DAPHNE, Alabama – Three road projects totaling more than $1.8 million are being suggested as priorities for FY 2012, according to Public Works Director Richard Johnson. The first, the widening of the intersection of Whispering Pines Road and U.S. 98, seeks to relieve heavy westbound traffic that backs up to Spanish Trail Road during peak hours and is projected to cost the city $448,000.

The second and perhaps the most visible is Main Street between College and Bayfront avenues, a 2.31 mile stretch of road that fronts City Hall, the public library, Daphne Elementary School and several parks. Last resurfaced in 1990, today the road is wearing thin and full of patches. It is expected to cost $443,020.

Also suggested is the completion of the Well Road extension, which would provide another east-west link to give motorists a bypass of the school traffic generated by the Daphne East Elementary and Daphne Middle School on County Road 13 at Whispering Pines Road. Johnson said this would greatly reduce the traffic at peak times in the school zones and provide a safer alternate route for parents dropping off children who need to travel west or south to work. That project is estimated to cost $196,597.

“I know we’ve got a long way to go and there are a lot of roads in Daphne that need attention,” Johnson said. “This mainly deals with thoroughfares.” The listing is expected to be considered by the City Council by the end of the year.