The plan includes a version of the controversial Northeast/ Northwest loop, formerly known as Eno Drive, to connect U.S. 70 to northern Durham County. The route crosses Interstate 85, then follows Old Oxford Highway and Snow Hill Road before hitting Roxboro Road in the north.

The route is supported by business leaders and transportation staffers who say it will help alleviate traffic jams and boost economic development efforts.

But some neighborhood activists and environmentalists think the new road will promote sprawl and cause even more traffic problems. They prefer a package of improvements that includes upgrading U.S. 70 and building a new East End Connector to link U.S. 70 to the Durham Freeway.

Durham Mayor Bill Bell, who serves on the committee, said that between now and the committee's next vote in December, he hopes to find a compromise between the new loop route and the neighborhood-supported improvements.

The transportation plan includes about 100 other projects throughout the region. They range from road improvements to new new bike paths, bus routes and pedestrian routes.