Washington’s City Council, during its meeting Monday, is expected to set a public hearing date and time concerning the Beaufort County Transportation Plan.

That hearing is expected to be set for 6 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The plan was developed by the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization.

“This long range planning tool identified major transportation improvements that will be needed over the next 25-30 years. This plan has been developed not only with the needs of Beaufort County but with the needs of each municipality in the county. The plan makes recommendations for land use and development patterns throughout Beaufort County,” wrote John Rodman, director of the city’s Department of Community and Cultural Services, in a memorandum to the mayor and council.

One of the proposed projects in the plan is the Washington northern bypass, which would run from U.S. Highway 264 just east of Leggett Road to U.S. 264 at Asbury Church Road. The project is needed to accommodate increased traffic volumes and improve mobility through Washington, according to a city document.

The plan also contains a proposal to build a bridge over the Pamlico River from the Bayview ferry terminal to the Aurora ferry terminal.

“In the eastern part of the county there is currently only one north-south facility linking northern and southern Beaufort County. The Bayview-Aurora ferry connects NC 306 from the south with NC 92 to the north. Improvements are needed to enhance the transportation system linkage and improve connectivity and mobility to move people and goods in this part of the county,” reads the document.

The document offers this justification for the project:

“Beaufort County is basically two land masses divided by the Pamlico River, with bridge crossings on US 17 Bypass and US 17 Business which are located close to one another on the far western end of the county. The eastern portion of Beaufort County, especially in the south side of the county, relies primarily on the ferry system for transportation to Washington and other areas on the north side of the river. The Bayview-Aurora ferry is free year round with a 30 minute ride from the Bayview Ferry Terminal to the Aurora Ferry Terminal. Departures start at 5:30am and end at 12:30 am with 22 crossing per day. … Bridge access between Aurora and Bayview would benefit military operations and transport, economic development, tourism, employment opportunities, education, and mobility/connectivity within Beaufort County.”

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s web­site at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “Government” then “City Council” heading, then click “Meeting Agendas” on the menu to the right. Then click on the date for the appropriate agenda.