MOUNT VERNON -- Camp Laurel is seeking approval to construct an underpass under Route 41.

According to camp representative John Archard, the owners are actively considering installation of an underpass beneath the state highway to address general safety concerns, both for the public and for camp staff.

The camp facility, located on the eastern shore of Echo Lake, spans Route 41.

As proposed, the 9 feet by 12 feet tunnel would allow camp pedestrians and vehicles to safely access both sides of the camp without crossing the highway.

Application for approval has been made to the Mount Vernon Planning Board and the Maine Department of Transportation.

The Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m. May 20 at the Community Center to seek comment on the proposed overpass as well as an additional application to relocate a staff building that was previously removed from the shoreland zone.

Initial feedback from the DOT has been favorable, Archard said.

No estimates of cost have yet been determined, he said.

The plan is for construction to begin in the fall of 2009, with interruption to traffic that would include rerouting traffic around the site for about one week.