CLAY, N.Y. — Neighbors in Clay got their first look at what could become major transportation changes around the future Micron site as state officials launched a new planning study and invited the public to help shape it before any decisions are made.

The New York State Department of Transportation hosted its first public open house Thursday, giving neighbors a chance to review the planning process, speak directly with engineers and share concerns about current traffic conditions. Staff answered questions at information stations, explained the study and listened as residents pointed out roads they say are already seeing the effects of growth.

The open house marked the launch of “Central New York Forward,” a long-term transportation study that will evaluate potential improvements to Route 31, U.S. Route 11, Interstate 81 and Route 481 as development continues around the future Micron campus.

“Nothing is set in stone. We don’t have any designs. This is really to hear from the community because a successful transportation project is really guided by community input,” said Elizabeth Parmley, regional director for the New York State Department of Transportation.

For many who attended, the opportunity to speak directly with the engineers leading the study was the biggest draw.

“I think it’s awesome they’re trying to be transparent. They’re trying to come up with several scenarios which hopefully, as the community grows, will answer everyone’s concerns,” said neighbor Eric Stropp.

Neighbor Debra Furlong said she has already noticed traffic changing after living along Route 31 for more than six decades.

“I’ve lived there for 61 years. We counted about 100 trucks going up to the site. It took me a 20 minute just to get out of my driveway,” Furlong said.

She said that’s why she wanted to share her concerns before plans begin taking shape.

“I think they take the public’s opinion to heart when creating traffic. We live there, and we’ve lived there for so long. We deserve an answer,” Furlong said.

State transportation officials will use feedback from the open house to help guide the environmental review and transportation study. Additional public meetings are expected before any final transportation improvements are selected.