Get ready to hear all about 32nd Street.

As a lawsuit over the uncompleted South Lawrence Trafficway progresses, 32nd Street may become the most discussed road in the city’s history.

Thirty-second Street is the numerical label given to the route that federal, state and county leaders want to use to complete the South Lawrence Trafficway project.

But where is 32nd Street and what would it include? Here’s a look at some of the basics:

¢ The route would be about 600 to 800 feet south of the existing 31st Street, which would run the road through the Baker Wetlands.

¢ The existing 31st Street – between Haskell Avenue and Louisiana Street – also will be moved about the same distance to the south, creating a situation where the new 31st Street will run parallel with the new South Lawrence Trafficway. The existing 31st Street roadbed will be removed, and the right of way will revert back to Haskell Indian Nations University.

¢ Haskell Avenue – between 31st Street and the Wakarusa River – would be moved about 1,000 feet to the east, creating more of a buffer area for the wetlands. A new interchange will be built to connect the trafficway with Haskell Avenue.

¢ Louisiana Street – between 31st Street and the Wakarusa River – would be moved about 2,500 feet west of its current location. The relocation would make room for manmade wetlands to be created.

¢ In total, the project plans to build 304 acres of manmade wetlands in the area surrounding the current Baker Wetlands.

¢ 12-foot walls would be built alongside portions of the trafficway to protect sensitive areas from excessive noise.

¢ The Kansas Department of Transportation would create an annuity to be controlled by Baker University to provide for maintenance of the wetlands. The funding also would include money for a cultural/wetlands education center to be built just west of the wetlands.

¢ The mitigation package also would include money for new hike and bike trails, new pedestrian access points on the northeast and northwest corners of the wetlands, and campsites and new parking areas to serve the wetlands.