To the editor:

As a citizen of Lawrence, commuting daily to Lenexa, I am discouraged by the lack of progress on the South Lawrence Trafficway. Frustrated, wondering if this will ever happen in my lifetime, I searched through the Journal-World’s archives and found articles dating back five years full of discussion and debate. I’ve lost track on the number of times a proposal has been shot down by someone, whether it be by Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University or others that oppose the trafficway.

The completion of the trafficway would route not only commuters like myself around Lawrence, but also direct those just passing through. Not only would the trafficway save those living on the west side of town 15-20 minutes each direction, but it would make the streets safer in the city of Lawrence. As I drive down 23rd Street each day, I witness the mass chaos and congestion which ends in accidents.

I believe that the city of Lawrence should have resolved this matter a long time ago. Lawrence is known to be an increasingly popular bedroom community for commuters. So I challenge the city, if you are not going to control the growth of Lawrence and you are not going to encourage new businesses offering salaries to support the high cost of housing in Lawrence, then give us a way in and out of the city. Face it, Lawrence isn’t a small town anymore. It is time to stop behaving like one.

Jason E. Blaylock,

Lawrence