The beginning of the end of the northern corridor bridge study comes tonight with a public input meeting at Horizon Middle School in Bismarck from 5:30 to 8. Another will be held in Mandan from 5:30 to 8 Tuesday at the Seven Seas.

The northern corridor bridge study is the result of the Metropolitan Planning Organization's 2001 long-range transportation plan, which identified a need for a beltway "loop" to the north and south, around the cities. Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson, led by project manager Bob Shannon, began studying the issue late last year.

It was opposed immediately by residents of the study areas, who formed a group called Save the Valley. If approved by the MPO and individual jurisdictions, the study will set aside a specific corridor to serve as a beltway and bridge in about 50 years.

After public comment is received and compiled, it will be presented to the MPO's technical and policy boards next month. In November, the MPO will get the final report of public comment for approval. In late November and early December, commissions of Bismarck, Mandan, Burleigh County and Morton County will make a decision to lend or deny their support to the study. Finally, the MPO will cast their final votes on the study at the end of the year.

At this point, KLJ is recommending a corridor in the northern portion of the study area. It would require relocating two to three homes in Morton County and three in Burleigh County, and $70 million for the entire corridor.

Another option, farther south, wouldn't require relocating any homes in Burleigh or Morton counties, but it would cost about $4 million more.