LAWRENCE — Although the Kansas Department of Transportation fast-tracked its plans to build the controversial South Lawrence Trafficway, federal judges had given it the yellow light until today. Following a decision by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, the Kansas Department of Transportation will continue the process of acquiring the right of way necessary to construct the bypass through the Baker Wetlands. The appeals court affirmed the process used by the Federal Highway Administration in selecting the 32nd Street alignment for the project. This decision allows KDOT to proceed to build the Trafficway as planned. The SLT will be a six-mile, four-lane freeway connecting the existing west leg of the K-10 corridor to K-10 at a point east of Lawrence, via a route around the southern edge of the city. KDOT said the project will cost $150 million.
Tuesday, July 10, 1 p.m.
