We’re counting down the top five stories on various topics today as part of an annual recap of the top stories of the year we’ll do later this month. Join the conversation by letting us know what we missed or what stories you think are important by posting a comment, below.5. U.S. Highway 59 construction still on course
With state officials staring at a budget shortfall and transportation leaders putting the freeze on new state-financed road and highway projects, one project — at least so far — continues to move ahead: construction of a new U.S. Highway 59, from Lawrence to Ottawa. The new four-lane highway remains on track, and financing for work both in Franklin and Douglas counties continues to flow.4. Lawrence voters pump money into road projects
Lawrence voters did more than agree to tax themselves and others who spend money in town to help finance transit operations. They also approved a 0.3 percent sales tax to finance a variety of projects, especially reconstruction of several roads deemed beyond repair by engineers. Stretches of Kasold Drive, Wakarusa Drive and others are lined up to be rebuilt during the next 10 years. While construction of a recreational trail in east Lawrence is expected to begin in 2009, the major road work remains at least a year away, keeping this story from being closer to No. 1.3. South Lawrence Trafficway lawsuit filed
In a move that had long been expected but was still much-anticipated, groups opposed to completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway along an alignment that would cut through the Baker Wetlands filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the project. The so-called 32nd Street alignment has been approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but so far the project has no financing for construction.2. Kansas Turnpike reconstruction
The biggest reconstruction project in Kansas Turnpike history — four years, $113 million for construction, or $130 million overall — started in June with the closing of half of the West Lawrence interchange, a major access point for Lawrence. Aside from the hundreds of commuters and others who had to change their ways as the exit from the east and entry toward the west were closed, many KU football fans were affected: Those coming in from Kansas City and those leaving to go toward Topeka had to find alternate routes. But the exit reopened to all traffic by Thanksgiving, with a new-to-the-turnpike feature: a roundabout. The overall reconstruction project, set for completion in late 2011, includes replacing bridges over the Kansas River and also will bring an upgrade the East Lawrence interchange.1. Voters empower public transit
Vote no, and the T skids to a halt. Vote yes, and the city’s bus system and paratransit vans keep on rolling, with newfound resources and a mandate to boost coordination with KU on Wheels. In a Nov. 4 election, Lawrence voters overwhelmingly approved boosting sales taxes by a combined 0.25 percent during the next 10 years, enough to keep the city’s services going and also to provide extra money to help boost services. As the year ended, officials from the city and KU were seeking public input to help improve coordination of the systems.