The sluggish commute on a key Boston to Cambridge bridge this week illustrated the challenge Somerville faces in getting recognition from state officials.

For months state officials planned to close the Craigie Drawbridge over the Charles River and did not communicate with city officials despite a detour point only 2,700 feet from the Somerville city line.

Too often the state acts first in Somerville and considers the community effects second. In this instance Ward Two Alderman Maryann Heuston learned of the project and got involved with Deputy Police Chief Paul Upton and Acting Police Chief Michael Cabral to secure the appropriate state mitigation.

Let’s hope they catch the next one too.