Say It Ain't Snow: Public Works Asks Folks To Help Them Help Keep Roadways Safe

BRANFORD, CT —In a post to Facebook, the town's public works department is reminding folks about how residents can help those workers do the best job possible, by following some winter weather-related do's and don't's.

Visit its Facebook page to learn more.

The Town of Branford Public Works Department is asking for your cooperation in providing maximum service to all our residents by helping us keep our roads safe.

Sand/Salt: There is sand/salt available to Branford Residents at the Transfer Station. Please let the attendants at the gate know that you are there to collect sand/salt. Residents are limited to no more than two 5 gallon pals. The transfer station is open Monday-Friday 7:15am-1:30pm and Saturdays 7:15am-2:30pm. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TRANSFER STATION IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FOR ANY OTHER USE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Parking: During snowstorms there is “No Parking” on the even numbered side of the road by Town Ordinance (sec 223-1 & sec 223-2). 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 Bans: During a substantial snowfall a parking ban may be enacted by the police Branford Police Department, which would require no parking on both sides of the road. Parking ban 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 (sec 216-42). The Public Works Department suggest that residents wait until Town plows have pushed back snow to 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 (sec 216-42b).

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 6-8" 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. We also recommend maintaining the integrity of your mailbox post. Our department does not replace mailboxes that are deteriorated due to age and/or displaced by snow or slush from plows.