With More Snow In The Forecast, Public Works Asks: Help Us To Help You

BRANFORD, CT — Branford's Public Works Department is "asking for resident cooperation in assisting to provide maximum service to all residents in helping us keep our roads safe," the town noted in a Facebook post Monday, just as forecasters are advising that there's a possibility of more snow in the coming days.

Here's what you need to know:

Parking

During snowstorms, there is “No Parking” on the even numbered side of the road by Town Ordinance. Vehicles parked on the even side of the road will be asked to move, so snowplows can get down the roads. Failure to move a vehicle could result in having it towed at the owner’s expense. Additionally, be mindful of where you park. Blocking the road can impede service to your neighborhood.

Parking Ban

During a substantial snowfall, a parking ban may be enacted, which would require no parking on both sides of the road. Parking bans announcements will be made through the local media.

Sidewalks

Town ordinance states that property owners are responsible for cleaning all snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property within eight hours of the end of the snowfall or precipitation. The Public Works Department suggest that residents wait until Town plows have pushed back snow to the curb line before clearing sidewalk areas. This generally happens after the snow has stopped.

Road Hazards

Residents and private contractors should take note that Town Ordinance prohibits snow from being placed on any public highway in such a manner as to impede or inconvenience travel on any roadway.

Contractors

Residents are responsible for their contractor’s actions. Residents or private contractors will also be held responsible for any curb damage done because of plowing snow across roadways.

Driveways

Residents should also keep in mind that snowplows are designed to remove snow from the roadway to the edge of the road. It is possible, and likely, that the plow will leave behind a windrow of snow in front of driveways. Residents are responsible for removing the snow from their own apron.

Mailboxes

The Public Works Department suggest residents make certain their mailboxes are at least 42 inches above the roadway and set back slightly from the edge of the road so that postal carriers can reach it, behind either the face of the curb or the edge of the road. Our department does not replace mailboxes that are displaced by snow or slush from plows.