The work currently under way on city streets is long-awaited progress that had eluded the city for much too long - in part, because of the municipality's financial difficulties. Despite the temporary inconveniences, the product of the work is destined to be appreciated for many years by city residents and everyone else who travels the streets.

The fact that the old, unstable pothole-ridden surfaces are being removed prior to new resurfacing means that the roadways will be problem-free for much longer than if the new road surface were applied on top of unstable surfaces.

It is to be hoped that when the work is completed, no waterline breaks or other underground utility problems will necessitate the undoing of what is currently being accomplished. Several mild winters in which there are no waterline breaks should be on city residents' wish lists.

But with underground utility problems always an unfortunate possibility, city leaders should ensure that rules and guidelines governing road repairs stemming from such problems are up to date. If tearing-up of any of the new road surfaces - as well as other surfaces - becomes necessary, the streets must be repaired expeditiously and properly, so the utility repairs don't bring about premature deterioration of the streets.

The city has lived too long with deplorable street conditions. Not all of the deplorable conditions will be eradicated during the current effort; the city doesn't have enough money to embark on such an extensive task.

But hopefully the work being done now will be the first of numerous large-scale efforts in the years ahead to address the remaining bad conditions - conditions that have resulted in many visitors and residents harboring an unflattering opinion of the city.

The work under way now is an important beginning. It is a beginning that was too long in coming.