Construction continues in downtown Mystic

MYSTIC, Conn. (WTNH) -- The headaches continue in downtown Mystic as workers are scrambling to finish the downtown streetscape project before the July 4th holiday.

The construction has some driver getting a little hot under the collar.

"It's been bad," said Rev. Stacy Emerson, Union Baptist Church, "but I think this week has been the worst where there's been some total shutdowns of the road."

Emerson and her son take it all in stride.

"It's just ugly," said Sam Emerson. "I wish this was done early."

The construction has made for a less than ideal shopping experience for visitors and downtown Mystic merchants struggling to survive.

"Yesterday we were trying to get to Mystic Pizza and the traffic was backed up," Sam said. "We had to go back and try again."

It's so slow going News 8 walked alongside one driver not too bothered by the back ups.

"It's a beautiful day," said Brian Palm, "you can't complain too much right?"

The project has also been quite a challenge for the construction workers and the police officers who are trying to get the job done and get the paving done, while dealing with cars going by and pedestrians crossing the street.

They're hoping to keep everyone safe while also getting the project complete.

Workers will be there Friday until at 8 p.m. and then again Monday morning starting at 5. For the most part, at least one lane will remain open.

"We suggest sometimes that they go around town if they need to get to the other side of the bridge," said Rick Norris, project manager, "but people are creatures of habit."

Whether or not the paving is complete by the holiday News 8 found out the streets will be quiet this weekend, as well as July 3rd, 4th, and 5th because workers have those days off.