Blizzard Updates: Digging Out, Schools Decision, Public Works Staffers Work Around Clock

BRANFORD, CT—To borrow a phrase from the town's Department of Public Works, "Most of the snow has fallen. What happens now?"

In a Facebook post, the department shared important updates on dealing with the storm's aftermath.

"Winds pushed much of what was plowed overnight back onto roads creating difficult conditions. Crews will continue to prioritize main roads and assisting Branford Police and Fire, then move outward through neighborhoods. Plow drivers will cut a single pass through roads first and then return to cut back to curbs.

Help our drivers by moving cars out of the street and staying out of the way of plows. Clear sidewalks and hydrants and do not snow blow or shovel aprons into the street. With this much snow accumulation, drifts and windrows are high everywhere.

Please keep in mind that with small amounts of snow a plow route takes approximately three hours per pass. This event will require longer time between passes, and we appreciate your patience and consideration for our drivers. The notes and phone calls supporting the drivers of DPW do not go unnoticed. Thank you!"

Meanwhile, Branford Public Schools called it. There's no school Tuesday, and that includes SACC and Shoreline Adult Education. District administrative offices will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

An afternoon Community Message from the Town:

As the conditions are starting to improve as the storm moves out it is important to stay off the
roads to allow the crews to continue clearing streets. Early estimates indicate that our area
received approximately 18” of snow. The heavy winds have pushed much of what was plowed
overnight back onto roads creating difficult conditions. Clean-up from a storm of this magnitude
will take time and we ask for everyone’s patience.
 All Branford schools are closed on Tuesday, February 24.
 The Transfer Station will be closed on Tuesday, February 24.
o Monday and Tuesday’s curbside collection of trash and recycling will take place
on Wednesday (put out Tuesday night before midnight). Wednesday and
Thursday’s collections will be delayed one day.

 Branford Parks, Recreation and Senior Services' programs/Activities are cancelled
(including the breakfast/lunch program & transportation) at the Joe Trapasso Community
House for Tuesday, February 24.
 Town Hall will be open Tuesday, February 24.
The Town of Branford Department of Public Works is responsible for plowing snow from all of
the town roads. Their goal is to keep all streets open for emergency vehicles, traffic moving and
to return roadways to a safe condition for winter travel, as quickly as possible. We ask that you
adhere to the following guidelines in an effort to make clean up faster and more efficient:
 Do not park vehicles in the street
o Park them in your driveway, in a neighbor’s driveway (with permission) or in a
municipal parking lot. The Town’s ordinance prohibits parking on the even side
of the roadway during and for 24 hours after the snowfall. Cul–de-sacs are
especially challenging, vehicles should not be parked in cul-de-sacs.

 Do not deposit snow into the roadway or sidewalk
o It is also a violation of town ordinance to deposit snow from private driveways
into the roadway and homeowners are responsible for violations committed by
their private plowing contractors.

 Clearing the end of driveways
o While we try to minimize the amount of snow that gets plowed back into
driveways, it is unavoidable. To avoid shoveling the end of your driveway
multiple times it is suggested that you wait until the plow has fully opened your
street.

 Clear adjoining sidewalks
o It is the responsibility of the owner, tenant, occupant or any person having the
care of any land or building adjoining any sidewalk to clear the sidewalk of all ice
and snow following the storm.

 Clear Fire Hydrants
o We also ask and encourage, residents that live near hydrants to please take some
time to clear snow away from hydrants to ensure that the hydrant is both visible
and has a useable work space around it.
Thank you for your consideration and anticipated cooperation.