Asheville City Council took steps on Jan. 15 toward getting the long-delayed Interstate 26 Connector project started, voting 6-1 to endorse a design plan put together by the Asheville Design Center and modified by Figg Engineers.

Engineers with the ADC originally pitched the plan in 2006 as an alternative to the state Department of Transportation plan, to which some residents objected.

The locally developed plan would use less land and cost as much as $150 million less than the state plan, according to the design center.

The plan, which includes a new bridge over the French Broad River, is meant to connect Interstate 240 west of the river with I-26 north of the city.

Engineers with Figg reviewed the plan and reported earlier this month that it needed some slight modifications to prevent safety problems. Figg had been hired by the city to assess the plan’s viability.

Councilman Brownie Newman praised the modified plan, calling it “visionary.”

However, Councilman Carl Mumpower, who cast the sole vote against endorsing the plan, said that it could result in further delays.

The project initially was supposed to be completed in 2008. However, state officials now say that construction likely will not begin until 2013.

Mayor Terry Bellamy said the DOT would respond to the proposal in two months. The DOT must sign off on the final plan.