To the editor:

Upon returning late Friday night from a week-long business trip to California, I was sorely disappointed to find the Thacher Street bridge still closed. But my mounting frustration must pale in comparison to that of the merchants whose livelihood has been imperiled by this two- year debacle. The Sun Chronicle ("Bridge opening stalled again," Saturday) reports that the frustration extends to city officials, although the state appears not to be overly exercised. Glaringly, the article does not identify an ultimately responsible party - what we refer to in business as the sole "throat to choke." The problem with this project all along has been continual finger pointing and shifting of blame. First it was Amtrak causing delays, then DEM, then the errant paving contractor, now utility companies. That is no way to run a railroad - nor a bridge project for that matter. Here is a simple solution: take the state out of the management equation and make the general contractor ultimately responsible.

If the project comes in ahead of schedule, pay bonuses. If the project comes in late, assess penalties. I guarantee you that the finger pointing would stop. Under this model you would have seen the utility companies engaged early instead of as an afterthought.

Capitalism, with its economic incentives and disincentives, is a powerful force.

Witness the new Dunkin' Donuts in Attleboro crossing completed start to finish in less than three months. We, the taxpayers funding this mess, deserve as much attention and focus. Irwin F. Kraus, Attleboro.