[Source: Dolores Tropiano, Arizona Republic] — Drivers can expect a smoother ride along city streets if a five-year street construction plan is approved this month by the Phoenix City Council. The $220 million, 27-mile plan will improve arterial streets as well as five intersections and include the construction of seven bridges and one pedestrian underpass. The plan was assembled with the help of Phoenix residents and will give pedestrians new sidewalks and streetscapes while adding drainage to streets located from 75th Avenue in the west to Scottsdale Road in the east. Many improvements include adding lanes on congested streets. Construction could begin this year and run through 2013. The council is expected to vote on the five-year street and drainage plan on May 14.