The Albert Lea City Council will continue its discussion at its next meeting about a frontage road in front of a proposed Kwik Trip gas station.

The road, which goes between Sykes and Westron streets, needs to be vacated to make a right turn possible into the proposed $5 million gas station off of north Bridge Avenue.

City Manager Chad Adams asked the council to continue the hearing until the council’s next meeting on Dec. 20 to give more time for him and other city staff to demonstrate a valid public purpose for the vacation.

Kwik Trip officials announced plans to build a gas station at the site in October 2011, at that time with plans to open in 2012. However, plans slowed after the company requested a new access point into the property. The right turn lane would be on the south end of the property and would be used by semis coming off Interstate 90. Drivers would have to pass over the existing frontage road to reach the gas station parking lot.

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen said the additional time will make sure each side understands the potential costs involved and who will pay for what portions.

He said while there have been some struggles on both sides during this planning stage, he is confident the city will move through those struggles.

Freeborn County commissioners approved the turning lane in September.