Though the season of orange barrels, detours and road blocks may seem like mirage in a desert, the city's public works department is gearing up for 2003 road construction projects.

An informational meeting Thursday was held to gather residents' input prior to the public hearings on proposed construction projects for this year.

City Engineer Jon Erichson, and other personnel from the department presented four sets of major projects which are expected to be begin in early June and go until August. The city is looking to carry the projects on the off-school season, so not to interfere with school times.

The first project would take place at Eighth Avenue SW, including Fourth Street NW to Eighth Street NW. "We are looking at replacing the water main, proposing to save certain parts of the curb," said Erichson. There is also a proposal on widening the road three feet on each side.

While discussing construction on Eighth Avenue SW, east of Eighth Street SW, Erichson mentioned that some trees might need to be cut in that area. One of the residents said they would like to keep the trees because of the shade they provide.

Other reparations in that area of Eighth Avenue SW which will include Fourth Street SW to Twelfth Street SW, would include removing asphalt, upgrading storm sewers and the installment of drainage tile. Austin Utilities tries to coordinate its projects with the city's road projects, Erichson said.

A portion of the assessments are paid by the homeowners. An approximation of the assessments was estimated as $27.50-$30 per foot on a residential area and $44-$48 on a commercial area. For residents living on a corner lot, the corner lot policy would apply. The resident would pay for the average lengths of the two sides of the sidewalk.

Residents have four options on how to handle assessments, Erichson said. Residents can pay the entire amount or pay half and the rest would remain on taxes. That amount would be spread out over a 15-year period with an interest of approximately 6 to 6 1/2 percent. Residents can also decide not to pay anything and the whole amount would automatically go into their taxes. The fourth option is the senior citizen income program. This option would defer the amount, with interest.

Other projects set include Eighth Street NW including Fourth Avenue NW to Eighth Avenue NW. The third project involves Seventh Street NW, including Oakland Avenue to Fourth Avenue NW.

The fourth project will be at 14th Street NE, which would include the Todd Park trail north to 21st Avenue NE.

"This project will be done in three phases in anticipation that we need to get people in an out," Erichson said. To decrease route confusion during construction for the businesses in the area, signage and brochures will arranged, Erichson said.

Benefits of the projects, according to the presentation, would be an improvement in rider safety, drainage, appearance and decreased maintenance costs. Several of the residents living in the areas that will be affected by the construction attended the meeting.

A formal public hearing will be held Feb. 3 for approval on the projects from the council. Residents will notice the assessments amounts between February and March. An assessments meeting will be held March 3.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail roxana.