NORWICH - Motorists who are frequently east and westbound on Rexford Street in the City of Norwich can look forward to smoother traveling this summer, thanks to a decision by city officials to pave a portion of the street that has long been subject of complaint among local drivers.

It was announced this month that the City of Norwich is set to receive an additional $29,000 in funding through the New York State Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). Plans are to use the additional funding to repave of a small section of Rexford, from Silver Street westward to the railroad crossing (approximately .2 miles).

For years, the city has put off any paving of Rexford Street, as well as the adjacent Pleasant and Plymouth streets. All three city streets make up a section of state Route 23 that runs east and west through Norwich, leaving the city to urge state authorities to maintain that portion of heavily traveled highway rather than ask local taxpayers to foot the bill for repaving.

While it might be only a small stretch of road, the news of repaving may still come as a relief for drivers, said Norwich Department of Public Works Superintendent Carl Ivarson. Rexford Street hasn’t seen new pavement in 17 years, he added. In that time, the street has deteriorated significantly – the effect of harsh winters and past gas line repairs.