Since sometime in the spring, road signs at the entrances to Gloucester village have warned motorists of a detour and altered traffic pattern to end "November 28."

The traffic signs, of course, refer to the ongoing streetscape work (lights, walks, paving) around the court circle.

November 28 has come and gone and the work continues. The "November 28" on the signs has been blacked out! with no new ending date promised. We feel sure the residential section that has endured the apparently unending traffic detour would appreciate the promise of an early conclusion to the work.

And now, at the other end of Main Street, long-delayed construction to replace the Fox Mill Run bridge has started, further altering traffic flow.

Main Street merchants must feel utterly bottled up, and this has occurred at the season when they must sell plenty of goods and make money to last through the coming winter hibernation. They can’t catch a break.

But they are still at t...