The debate continues on the proper route for the long-delayed South Lawrence Trafficway. This badly needed road has been delayed time and time again by various well-planned tactics while construction costs continue to grow.

The need for the trafficway is obvious, and state highway officials and local officials should use every means available to start construction of the road on the 32nd Street alignment that has been approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss the future of the SLT was canceled because a Kansas Department of Transportation representative was unable to attend. It was uncertain whether the meeting would be rescheduled as Mayor Boog Highberger continues to try to get the SLT route shifted south of the Wakarusa River.

This continued effort by a small minority of local residents to scrap the 32nd Street route does nothing but drive up the cost of the project and delay the time when an ever-increasing number of motorists can use the trafficway.

Two of the three Douglas County commissioners favor the 32nd Street route, as do KDOT and the Corps of Engineers. Lawrence city commissioners should have the courage and vision to endorse the 32nd Street route. Their delay is a disgrace.

Funds for highway construction are in high demand, and it is understandable that state and federal highway officials are hesitant to award the millions of dollars necessary to build the major trafficway when local residents are divided in their support of the project.

This is why it is important for local officials to take a stand on this project and make it clear the city and county support the 32nd street route and want to move ahead on the project as quickly as possible.

Baker University, which oversees the Baker Wetlands, has given approval for the route, and it is time to get the road started.

There has been far too much talk and posturing. Now is the time to initiate positive action that will allow the start of engineering and construction on the 32nd Street route.