By KATIE HURST/ Staff Writer

HELENA — Helena residents will soon get to weigh in on the future of the city’s roads.

The Alabama Department of Transportation recently announced a public hearing to be held in Helena Nov. 18 on the proposed Helena Bypass. The hearing will be from 4-7 p.m. at the Helena Community Center.

According to ALDOT officials, the proposed project would create a bypass around historic downtown Helena beginning on Shelby County Road 52 and ending on Valleydale Road.

ALDOT Preconstruction Engineer Lance Taylor said the purpose of the project is to provide an effective and efficient roadway for the current and planned growth of Helena.  A portion of areas planned for future commercial and residential growth is inaccessible with the existing roadways, he said.

The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $18-20 million.

At the public hearing, residents will be able to pick up a packet of information on the proposed project, provide their input and ask questions.

The project is scheduled for final approval in early 2011, Taylor said. If approved, construction will begin in mid to late 2013.