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Salem city officials envision a massive network of ramps and bridges that stretches from Highway 22 and Wallace Marine Park to the Salem Parkway and Interstate 5.

However, they would like to hear what the rest of the community thinks about that.

Members of the Salem City Council listened to more than two hours of testimony on the proposed $630 million bridge Monday night, many of it from people vociferously opposed to the project.

Given the number of people who wanted to speak on the bridge — as well as their passion for the subject — Council decided to extend the public hearing until May 13. People can submit written testimony up until that date, said Julie Warncke, the city’s transportation planning manager.

Additional verbal testimony will also be taken at the May 13 meeting. However, Council cordially invited those who have already spoken to keep their seats (and their peace).

“I think that’s to maintain councilors’ sanity,” Warncke said.

Members of the Salem River Crossing Task Force met for six years before agreeing to recommend the $630 million bridge to city officials in August. However, the idea of a third bridge to link West Salem to the rest of the community has been tossed about for decades.

Earlier this month, Council adopted a list of proposed amendments to the bridge proposal (known as “Alternative 4D”).

The Salem City Council is not the final word on the matter. The bridge project must also be approved by officials representing Marion and Polk counties as well as the Salem-Keizer Area Public Transit District and Salem-Keizer School District.

More information about the project is available on the city’s . Comments can be emailed to [email protected].