The head of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Joe Brimmeier, is right to call for action on -- to finish or abandon -- the Mon-Fayette Expressway. We said as much in this space last May.

Although the Post-Gazette has backed the construction of this massive and, at times, controversial highway, it has dragged on for decades and the $3.5 billion needed to finish its last 31 miles is still not in hand.

Seven months ago we said the Legislature should decide by the end of 2006 whether it has the money -- and the will -- to complete the costly northern end of the toll road. Now Mr. Brimmeier, who would prefer to finish the job, says he wants an answer soon from lawmakers on whether to "move forward or cancel it."

If completed as planned, the highway will provide fast transportation from Downtown Pittsburgh, through the Mon Valley, to the West Virginia border. Thirty-five miles of the highway are open and operating in Fayette, Washington and southern Allegheny counties. Although promoted primarily as an economic generator for the hard-bitten towns of the former steel valley, the project also promises a spur that would give Monroeville-to-city traffic a speedy bypass around Squirrel Hill Tunnel congestion.

But it's all for naught if the Legislature can't find a funding source to finish the project. Enough of promises and speculation that raise the public's hopes. Enough of property acquisition for dirt that's not turned.

It's time, as Mr. Brimmeier says, to figure out how to fund this highway. Or bulldoze the whole idea.