Don't delay inevitable: Fix Thames Street

Just do it. That's our advice to Groton voters deciding on the $10.7 million referendum question next Tuesday on whether to reconstruct the 1.1-mile-long Thames Street.

Yes, times are tough and municipalities have to watch out for every dollar. And this project is not eligible for state or federal funding. But it is necessary. Thames Street is crumbling away.

The project includes entirely rebuilding the roadway running along the east bank of the Thames River from Bridge Street south to Eastern Point Road and Smith Street, including new sidewalks, retaining walls, and crosswalks with improved drainage, handicap access, lighting, and traffic signals.

Rather than doing a simple resurfacing, work crews will dig up the entire street and install a new roadbed. The plan is to do it right and make it last.

Taxpayers should think of the work as an investment. The improvements will help ease the flow of traffic to Electric Boat and Pfizer - 35,000 vehicles a week - and improve the economic viability of the Thames Street commercial district.

In the past 60 years the city has made only occasional cosmetic improvements to historic Thames Street. It begs for an overhaul. And given the lack of construction jobs because of the recession, the town can expect to attract some attractive bids.

Groton's convoluted overlay of governments holds the town financially liable for repair and maintenance of public roads everywhere in Groton, including the city. Defeating the ballot question only delays the inevitable and increases the costs. At some point the town must pay to rebuild Thames Street. Doing it now means reaping the benefits sooner.

Vote YES on Thames Street Nov. 3.