Bridgeport Clears 60 Percent of Streets

Connecticut towns, especially in the state’s largest cities, continue to work to clear streets five after the first snowflakes of the blizzard began.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said city crews and private contractors have opened 60-percent of city streets as of 12 noon Wednesday, almost doubling the number of streets made passable in 24 hours.

At 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the travel ban will be lifted, but Finch is asking motorists to drive safely through the city.

“Our crews, with the assistance of private contractors, made incredible progress overnight and into the morning, doubling the number of streets open to traffic,” Finch said. “The plow drivers and heavy equipment operators are working very hard to get all of our streets open and passable so our residents can get to work and get back to normal. I want to thank the residents of Bridgeport for their patience and understanding during this time.”

On Tuesday, payloaders and other heavy equipment from as far away as Buffalo, N.Y., and neighboring Danbury, Wilton and Greenwich came into Bridgeport, so around 100 vehicles are working to clear snow from the streets.

The list of passable streets is posted online. http://bridgeportct.gov/content/87201/137292.aspx

The National Guard has been in Bridgeport since Saturday and two groups are assisting the police and fire departments.

All Bridgeport city schools will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 14 and Friday, February 15.

The public is urged to stay off the roads as much as possible while cleanup crews are clearing streets.

Garbage and recycling pickups are suspended until further notice and the Transfer Station is closed until further notice.

A list of passable streets can be found online.  

The City asks residents to help clear the inlets and catch basins near your house or business. Keeping catch basins clear of snow and ice will reduce the possibility of street flooding during heavy rains or snow melting periods.

Following snowstorms, residents and businesses with flat roofs are particularly vulnerable.   As the snow on most roofs has frozen, removing any new snow and its additional weight will be very important. If not cleared off, snow piled high on roofs can act as a sponge, absorbing any rain, adding additional stress to structures.