There are many issues facing city and county officials when it comes to Bridge Avenue. And there are many considerations on the table.

Should Bridge Avenue be widened? Should it be rerouted to intersect with Main Street? Should the Richway Drive corner be straightened? Should Johnson and Sheridan streets no longer connect to Bridge? What can be done about the traffic backup at the Hawthorne Street junction and at the Marshall Street junction? How much do Albert Lea motorists want an altered Bridge Avenue in the first place? Will the proposals harm access to businesses on the north side of downtown?

The city and county right now are seeking public input. It is better to speak up now, rather than waiting until the plans are in motion.

We urge Albert Lea residents to attend the public meeting on the Bridge Avenue corridor at 7 p.m. Thursday at Albert Lea City Hall. Officials from SRF Consulting Group will be present to give an update on the plan.

Now is the time to speak up.