A sign marks the edge of the South Lawrence Trafficway bridge, often called the Bridge to Nowhere, because it does not extend east of U.S. Highway 59, at right. City commissioners Tuesday night agreed to endorse a plan to build the South Lawrence Trafficway through the Baker Wetlands, an area that American Indians and others consider sacred.

Welcome to the show.

Two new city commissioners Tuesday night made their first major appearance in Lawrence’s seemingly never-ending drama: the South Lawrence Trafficway saga.

Fueled by votes from recently elected Commissioners Rob Chestnut and Mike Dever, a sometimes-animated City Commission agreed to endorse a plan to build the South Lawrence Trafficway through the Baker Wetlands, an area that American Indians and others consider sacred.

“There is never a very good choice when you are laying roadway,” Chestnut said. “The choices are never easy. But there are a number of citizens suffering in Lawrence because they can’t reasonably get from point A to point B.”

The support for the wetlands route officially changes the city’s position on the issue. The City Commission that was in place before the April elections had sent a letter to the Federal Highway Administration opposing any efforts to build the road through the wetlands. Chestnut and Dever, however, replaced two of the three commissioners who had opposed the wetlands route.

Dever unenthusiastically threw his support behind the wetlands route as well. He said it seemed to be the only route that state and federal road builders ultimately would fund. Opponents have pushed for a route south of the Wakarusa River, which would avoid the wetlands.

“If we want to build a road, I think this is the one we have to accept,” Dever said. “I value the wetlands. This is not my decision. I didn’t pick the route. What I have to do is accept the consequences.”

Chestnut and Dever both alluded to support for a 32nd Street route during their campaigns last spring, but this was the first time they voted on the project.

Other commissioners assumed their long-standing roles. Mayor Sue Hack and Commissioner Mike Amyx both supported the wetlands route. Commissioner Boog Highberger opposed it.

Commissioners heard one hour’s worth of public comment on the issue, with all but three of the approximately 20 speakers opposing the wetlands route.

Staff members will craft a new letter for the Federal Highway Administration. It’s expected to be on the commission’s agenda for discussion in two weeks.

Federal regulators will consider the letter – along with other public comments received – in deciding whether to issue a permit for the road construction.