Jamestown officials have received confirmation from the state that interim surface improvements on East Second Street are tentatively scheduled to begin the week of June 9.

Parts of the street that were treacherous over the winter are at least passable thanks to cold patching that has stayed in place with the arrival of warmer weather. We welcome the state’s announcement that some more permanent patching is coming while we wait for the full reconstruction of Second Street next year.

The coordinated effort between the city Public Works Department and state Transportation Department will involve milling and paving of the westbound travel lane, along with targeted sections of the eastbound lane. The improvements are intended to enhance drivability and support overall roadway conditions until the Route 394 reconstruction project begins later.

While we’re ecstatic to see the work coming, it’s amazing sometimes how slowly government can work. While public complaints have become louder this winter, East Second Street’s deteriorating condition has been noticeable for the past few years. Those issues – and some nudging from city officials – got Second Street on the state’s road reconstruction schedule in the first place. That means there was certainly a chance to have fixed Second Street before it became an emergency.

Drivers, those who live in the area and business owners will certainly appreciate the brief reprieve from the teeth-chattering rides they’ve been taking over the past several months. For them, the condition of Second Street is an emergency that has taken far too long to rectify. For government, these repairs will be done in what seems like record time.

That’s the difference between the speed of our lives and the speed of government.