GROTON, CT — Shore Avenue in Groton has reopened after a yearslong seawall reconstruction project that faced major delays, rising costs and difficult construction conditions, according to a statement.
The shoreline road reopened May 13 to drivers and pedestrians following completion of the Shore Avenue Seawall Reconstruction Project, which city officials said was needed to restore and protect the area.
Planning for the seawall replacement began in the early 2010s. Preliminary designs were completed in 2019 and revised in 2021 before construction began in May 2024.
The project was originally expected to take about 180 days. However, crews encountered unexpected utility conflicts and deep bedrock conditions that required design changes and extended construction, according to city officials.
Groton City Mayor Jill Rusk acknowledged frustrations over the lengthy timeline and rising costs during a reopening ceremony Wednesday.
“We know this undertaking lasted much longer than anyone anticipated,” Rusk said in a statement.
Officials said the city secured outside funding to help offset costs, including a $2.7 million Urban Act Grant and $1.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the Town of Groton.
Rusk also said the city plans to review what led to the project’s cost overruns and share findings with residents at a future meeting.
The reconstruction project has been overseen since late 2023 by Public Works Services Coordinator Heidi Comeau, whom Rusk credited for helping guide the work through construction challenges.
State and local officials joined residents for Wednesday’s reopening ceremony, including State Sen. Heather Somers, State Rep. Dan Gaiewski and Town of Groton Mayor Juliette Parker.
The event ended with a ribbon cutting. A Groton fire truck and police cruiser were the first vehicles to travel the reopened roadway.
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