Maryland officials are considering six possible designs for upgrading busy Route 3 in western Anne Arundel and northeastern Prince George's counties - a road where traffic is expected to increase 70 percent by the year 2025.

Designs for the highway, which range in complexity from no major changes to to a road with overpasses and bike lanes, were displayed last week by the State Highway Administration. The state is studying a nine-mile stretch of the highway from U.S. 50 to Route 32.

The study represents the latest effort to address transportation needs on Route 3. The state looked at establishing an interstate connection between Baltimore, Washington and Annapolis in the early 1980s, but the idea was abandoned because of strong opposition from residents in Bowie and Crofton. However, problems associated with congested traffic, increased development and inadequate intersections remain.

The state has asked for public input in this project. Officials have met with a 15-member focus group during the planning process. State officials, who began meeting in June, have proposed five mainline alternatives and a sixth of additional interchanges.

Boulevard alternative: Includes three through-lanes in each direction and auxiliary lanes or shoulders. An overpass would connect Route 450.

Mainline improvements: Addition of a third through-lane northbound from St. Stephens Church Road to Route 32 and southbound from Route 450 to U.S. 50. Separate traffic on Routes 3 and 450. Overpass at Crawford Boulevard.

Modified boulevard: Construction of overpasses at Davidsonville and Waugh Chapel roads.

Additional interchange option: Signaled intersections to separate mainline Route 450 from mainline Route 3. Would provide free flow between Routes 3 and 450.

Minor construction: This option includes improving intersections and adding auxiliary lanes. Car pooling and other ways of reducing traffic would be encouraged.

No build: No major improvements, but minor short-term improvements would occur as normal maintenance.

The project - the most expensive proposal has an estimated cost of up to $475 million - will most likely be funded by state and federal funds, according to Christopher Weber, the project manager.

But Weber said he did not know when work would begin since design and construction is not yet funded. Anywhere from five to 21 properties could be taken as a result of construction, Weber said.

About 250 people attended a public meeting held by state officials last week at the community center in Gambrills. A brochure explaining the project was mailed to 5,000 homes last month. Weber said few people returned the comment card enclosed in the mailing but that he was impressed with the turnout at the meeting.

"We had a good showing and people were expressing their concerns to us, which is great," said Weber.

Many looked at the maps and took note of how the alternatives would change their commutes.

Diane Stone, 66, attended the session with her husband, Edward, 69. They are concerned about speeding and traffic, which they say make it difficult to get onto Route 3.

She pointed out that one alternative would change the way she drives to the grocery store. Her husband insisted it would not be a problem and that if it were, she could use another store in the other direction.

"I think they have come up with some good alternatives," Edward Stone said of the proposed designs. He and his wife filled out comment cards at the meeting.

Peter Saderholm, 63, of Gambrills also was pleased with the designs. However, he is concerned about development.

"People in Crofton and Bowie have been done a disservice," he said of development in those areas. He called the current intersections the biggest problem the corridor has.

George Percivall and Karen Klingelhoeffer, who came to the meeting with Boy Scouts from Troop 731, said that they were delayed at a traffic signal on the way to the community center. "Fewer delays at lights would be an improvement," said Percivall.

Klingelhoeffer's 12-year-old son, Alex, said he preferred the boulevard design, saying it would be the most accessible and had a moderate cost. The Scouts also were interested in expanding bike paths.

Weber said state officials will sort through the public comments before narrowing the list of potential designs and then studying them more extensively. The state is aiming to start work on the project in 2006.