It’s going to be a long, hard summer in and around the city very soon. And a long, hard fall … winter … etc.

At least one full year of grief and aggravation is in store for drivers, cyclists, and even pedestrians as the Green Line Extension project rumbles into Somerville, hacking and hewing at the present day infrastructure to make way for the new.

Of particular concern is the snarl of traffic that is expected to engulf the Ball Square area of the city once the Broadway Ball Sq. bridge gets closed down for the next 12 months.

Many are asking why the complete closure of the bridge is even necessary. That perhaps the renovation work can be done in stages, in smaller sections systematically. People are also wondering how much thought and preparation has been put into making sure that effective rerouting measures are going to be put in place.

In the Ball Square area alone, many residents and business owners are seriously concerned for their personal well-being, safety, and peace of mind in the face of what may be coming at them in the months to come. Add in some heavy snowfall in the winter and the nightmare scenario becomes truly terrifying.

The city is doing whatever it can – presumably – to keep us informed about all the upcoming activities of the GLX project. Several public meetings have been scheduled in the near future to help keep concerned residents up-to-date and prepared for what will be coming. Go to www.somervillema.gov/glx for the latest.

After all, forewarned is forearmed. In this situation, it’s best to be fully armed.