Downtown Mystic Streetscape, Drawbridge Projects Wrapping Up

Reported and written by Ellyn Santiago.

The Mystic streetscape project, long the bane of many downtown businesses’ existence, is “substantially completed,” according to Groton Director of Planning and Development Michael J. Murphy.    

“You are correct that the project is substantially completed; however, there is a punch list that the contractor must complete,” he said referring to contractor Pettini.

Some of those minor last minute tasks include bench installation, but as of Thursday, a number of benches were visible throughout downtown Mystic.  

Next up is Phase II, largely a sidewalk replacement project with curbing from the restrooms on Water Street to Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub. According to Murphy, the second phase “has not been bid yet.”  

“The town is awaiting approval from CONNDOT to go out to bid. Then we will advertise the project.  We still anticipate construction to begin this fall,” he said.  

The drawn-out project drew sharp criticism from residents and businesses who complained the significant delays and disruption to the downtown which relies heavily on tourist dollars for its survival suffered dramatic losses. And that, coupled with tropical storms, hurricanes, super storms and floods …well, it’s been a very tough few years.  

But as a way to celebrate the end of the project, which has ultimately helped to transform downtown sidewalks, lighting, parking, seating and access, the May 4 Downtown Mystic Spring Stroll will mark the end of the construction by helping folks reconnect with downtown Mystic businesses. (Look for a full story on the Stroll in the coming days.)     

The Drawbridge  

Meanwhile, as the three-year streetscape project winds down, so does the adjacent drawbridge repair and restoration project.   Despite some information that indicted otherwise, the project deadline was not April 15 but is in fact May 16. The former deadline was one set by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure the channel would be open for boat traffic, and that deadline was met, said project manager Brent Church.  

“We are 99 percent done,” Church said. “We have some touching up, some cleanup and final inspections, but by the end of next week, we should be done and out of your hair,” he said.  

Church praised the contractor, Cianbro Co., for the repair of the 90-year-old bridge, one of only two, he said. The drawbridge is a bascule bridge, a style of drawbridge that employs counterweights.  

“They did a great job. A really, really great job. I can’t say it enough,” Church said. “I thank God every day that they were on this job. There were a lot of hurdles, storms, cold weather, and they worked through all kinds of conditions.”  

Church said that the project, one he described as “completely unique on a pretty amazing structure” is a “50-year fix.”  

“You shouldn’t see us back,” he said. “But it has been the most interesting project I’ve ever worked on. Actually, I’ve never seen a project like this in my lifetime and probably won’t again. I am proud to (have) been a part of it.”  

But there will still be some disruption around the bridge for the next several weeks as utility poles are replaced and other utility work off the bridge is completed, Church said: “The utility stuff is always last.”  

“But this is it. Within a few weeks it will be done and you won’t see us back here,” he said. “For at least another 50 years.”