BAKERSFIELD -- Dozens of residents gave feedback to county officials Thursday night on a proposed grade separation at a railroad crossing in the northwest.

While some supported the plan, many of the people in attendance vehemently opposed the idea to build two overpasses on Allen and Hageman roads that intersect above the railroad tracks, saying it would strip residents of privacy and kill property values.

"This superstructure's going to rival that one on Coffee between Rosedale and Brimhall," Carol Bender, a resident, said.

"We can't even imagine that being compatible with any neighborhood."

Many of the residents near the intersection favor tunneling under the railroad tracks, but county officials say the discussion is still in the planning stages.

"We're still exploring all options at this point," county roads commissioner Craig Pope said.

"We haven't made a determination on which one we want, and it is feasible to go either way."

Building and undercrossing beneath the railroad tracks could be difficult, according to county Supervisor Ray Watson.

"The railroad has a lot to say about whether you can go under their tracks, and that consumes time and money," Watson said.

The project has an estimated cost of $37 million. $17.5 million comes from Proposition 1B funds, approved by California voters in 2006. The remainder comes from county bonds and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad.

"We have a very short timeline to get under construction with this project or we lose the money," Watson said, referring to the 1B funds.

Construction is not expected to begin until June 2010 at the earliest, and has an estimated completion date of December 2011.

Kern County also received $10 million in Proposition 1B funding for the 7th Standard Road railroad crossing near Central Valley Highway. That project is also in the planning stages, Pope said.