Planners of a proposed Gateway Corridor transitway along Interstate 94 are looking for public comment on what to study in the environmental draft phase of the project.

The information collected from three upcoming public hearings will help decide modes of travel from Union Depot in downtown St. Paul to Manning Avenue in Woodbury. The proposed project connects Landfall, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Woodbury and Maplewood with St. Paul, and would link commuters with other regional transit services.

"We'd like to hear from people who have an interest in the corridor to know what benefits or impacts they think should be evaluated," said Lisa Weik, who leads the Gateway Corridor Commission.

In a project phase known as "scoping," planners will seek comments about what mode of transit — Bus Rapid Transit or light-rail trains — should be studied. Planners also want to hear about proposed routes and station locations.

Where to read the plan

Copies of the Scoping Booklet, which explains the Gateway Corridor project and issues under study, are available for public review at the following locations:

• http://thegatewaycorridor.com, the project's website.

• Dayton's Bluff Library, 645 7th St. E. St. Paul

• Washington County Libraries: Stafford Branch, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury; Oakdale Library, 1010 Heron Av. N., Oakdale

• Hennepin County Library: Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.

When to attend a meeting

• March 24, 4:30, Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 4th St. N., Oakdale.

• March 25, 4:30 p.m., Conway Recreation Center, 2090 Conway Av., St. Paul.

• April 10, 2 p.m., Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road. This meeting of the Gateway Corridor's policy advisory committee will accept verbal and written comments.

All written public comments must be received by April 16. Send to: Andy Gitzlaff, Gateway Corridor project manager, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, 11660 Myeron Road N., Stillwater, MN 55082. Call 651-430-4300 or e-mail gatewaycorridor@co.washington.mn.us. □

Kevin Giles