CANTON — An administrative law judge has determined that Jay Street will become a dead end when the state Department of Transportation reconstructs much of Route 11 through the village.

The job was set to take place in 2010, but the DOT is evaluating all of its projects because of the state budget crisis.

DOT hasn't changed the schedule of any projects yet, but some may be delayed.

"Given as tight as money has gotten, we're looking at all the jobs that are supposed to take place in the next five years. There's no decision yet on whether Canton will slide," DOT spokesman Michael R. Flick said. "We will know better by the end of the month."

A public hearing on the scope of the Canton project may be scheduled later this fall, to probably take place in the winter.

The decision was made by Judge Peter S. Loomis, who presided over a hearing in July.

In his decision, Judge Loomis noted that vehicles sometimes have to stop on the tracks while waiting to make a turn. He agreed with the DOT's preferred alternative, which will close Jay Street at East Main Street, create a cul-de-sac, and install a brick paver for emergency access.

"The issue of vehicles waiting on the tracks to turn at the Jay Street and East Main Street intersection would be eliminated, and the crossing at East Main Street over the CSX tracks could also be improved from a safety standpoint since the gates could be moved closer to the tracks," Judge Loomis wrote.

The alternative was favored by DOT, CSX, the village and neighbors. Several residents preferred that Jay Street shift to the east to avoid a cul-de-sac.