"The opening and dedication of a new public works project usually is an opportunity for fanfare, with speeches and proclamations followed by a ceremonious ribbon-cutting.
But next Tuesday's ceremony celebrating the opening of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation's $67 million Route 2 bypass near Foxwoods Resort Casino may not attract large crowds of well-wishers, at least among locals who opposed the project from the moment ground was broken more than two years ago.
The tribe, which paid for the 4.3 miles of new road that includes four lanes of elevated highway, five bridges and a cloverleaf, managed to fast-track it through the state regulatory process despite objections and legal challenges from officials in Ledyard, Preston and North Stonington.
The tribe says the project, which also includes a new water main that serves the Preston Plains School and improves fire protection for nearby properties, will alleviate traffic congestion near Foxwoods."
Get the Story:Editorial: Paved with good intentions (The New London Day 6/20) Also Today:
Bypass Nearly Ready For Beaches, Foxwoods (The New London Day 6/22)
Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun's roadwork nears completion (The Norwich Bulletin 6/22)
