A $5 million-plus project certainly sounds like a huge expenditure. But when it is done to help alleviate what appeared to be a $40 million problem, it doesn't sound so bad, does it?

That, in a nutshell, is what the Centre Region Council of Governments transportation committee hopes to accomplish when it proposed widening a stretch of Park Avenue from two lanes to four. This idea, slated to cost at least $5 million, was hatched as an alternative to the Eastern Inner Loop, an idea that was canceled in November because of its high, $40 million price tag.

The Inner Loop would have provided a direct link between University Drive, where it ends at Park Avenue, and North Atherton Street at Vairo Boulevard. The proposed bypass would have helped during rush hour, conveniently unclogging Atherton Street for commuters heading toward Route 322 and other drivers who want to go shopping without fighting bottlenecked traffic.

The plan to expand Park Avenue from Bigler Road to the Mount Nittany Expressway sounds like the next best thing. Four lanes on this stretch of Park Avenue would give commuters headed home for the day an easy route to Route 322.

And those looking to hit the stores or restaurants on Atherton Street would have the option of hopping on the highway for a few exits and connecting to Atherton Street farther north, bypassing the busiest portion of the road during rush hour.

There are some valid concerns about the project, though. Obviously, if Park Avenue is to widen, that extra real estate will be carved out the now-plentiful open space in that part of campus. Currently, that area is predominantly open fields, most notably the Intramural Fields.

This is where students play sports and Penn State football fans tailgate. It is also the general area where the university plans to put the new Dickinson Law School. With all this potential encroachment, government and university officials need to be vigilant in preserving an area uniquely used by members of the community.

Office of Physical Plant spokesman Paul Ruskin said the university has been approached about the project, although it is unclear if it will have any effect on other activities in the area, including tailgating and intramural sports.

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said in an e-mail message the university will monitor the project's development. And it should. Improvements that restrict student recreation and quality of life are a mistake.

No matter what the benefit.