Moreover, Utah Department of Transportation studies show the 5800 West route, from just north of I-80 to just south of 5400 South, would be used more consistently than the alternative.

For those reasons, and in order to nudge along the planning stage of the north-south highway that is desperately needed for rapidly growing west-side communities, this decision seems right.

Designating a preferred route now, although there are many hurdles to be gotten over before construction can begin, allows cities, business owners and homeowners to take their lives off "hold." West Valley City has imposed a moratorium on building along the route, pending a decision. Residents and business owners along both routes have lived long enough with excruciating uncertainty about if and when they will have to move.

As it is laid out now, the 5800 West alignment would displace 179 homes and 20 businesses and impact 141 acres of wetlands. The 7200 West route would affect 224 homes, 24 businesses and 187 acres of wetlands. The 40-mile highway will continue south, turning east through Bluffdale and on into Utah County.

UDOT is asking for public input. The choice also must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration, which isn't expected to act before 2008, and many other questions about the $2 billion highway - such as where the money will come from - are still unanswered. The most controversial issue is likely to be the possibility of charging tolls for its use, although four options are still being debated for where the highway will go through Utah County.

So far, UDOT has rightly involved the public in the planning process. Residents should make sure they stay in the loop, since everything about the highway is still on the table, including final decisions about alignment and tolling. They should take every opportunity in coming months to make their opinions heard.