The Austin City Council is looking ahead to 2017 road projects.

The council approved a feasibility report on several projects, which is traditionally an early step in the projects. The council also opted to request a variance that would allow the city to make bike lanes on Fourth Avenue Northwest a half-foot narrower than normal.

The bike lanes would go from about St. Augustine’s Church to Wescott Athletic Complex. The council is requesting a variance to narrow the bike lanes from the standard 5 feet to 4.5 feet to have enough room for the vehicle lane, bike lane, a parking lane and sidewalk.

The council approved feasibility reports for the following projects:

•Fourth Avenue Northwest from Fourth Street Northwest to 12th Street Northwest

•First Street, Second Street, Third Street, Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue Southwest

•Woodson Kindergarten Center area, including Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Seventh Street, 15th Avenue and 16th Avenue Southeast.

•Fifth Avenue, Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue Northwest

•Alley reconstructions between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue Northeast

For more details, visit www.ci.austin.mn.us/Council/City%20Council%20Agenda.pdf.