Malloy Lifts Travel Ban, Finch: No Parking On City Snow Emergency Roads

Storm update from mayor: What’s it like out there? Looks like significant snowfall but not as much as originally projected.

From Mayor Bill Finch:

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch is asking residents to move their vehicles to the odd-numbered side of the road today so plows can continue to clear the streets. Parking is still not permitted on Snow Emergency roads.

“I want to thank our residents for their cooperation. Snow is still falling, so we are not out of the woods. But our public works crews worked hard all night, and our police officers and firefighters kept us safe. It’s clear that our government–as well as our community–have clearly made strides in successfully tackling adverse weather conditions. Let’s keep working together,” said Mayor Bill Finch.

Approximately seven to eight inches of snow fell since the winter storm began Monday. Before the storm passes, the city could see an additional six to eight inches could fall.

Forecasts projected two feet of snow or more in Fairfield County but the latest forecasts downgraded the amount to 14 inches or less.

“We were prepared for the worst and we had a plan in place. Our crews did an outstanding job. We still have work to do. We’re not going to stop until we see blacktop,” said Public Facilities Director Jorge Garcia.

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy announced this morning that the travel ban has been lifted for local roads and local travel in Fairfield and Litchfield County.

Mayor Finch said the community’s cooperation with the snow emergency had an enormous impact in allowing plow drivers to clear streets.

Police Chief Joseph Gaudett said motorists assisted by staying off the roads. The travel ban, issued at 9:00PM last night, has been lifted.

“This storm could have been much worse. I won’t say we dodged a bullet because we all are still shoveling out our driveways and sidewalks. Publics facilities had a plan, they prepared, they trained and it paid off,” said Mayor Finch.

Bridgeport was prepared for the storm, said Garcia, with about 70 plows, pay loaders, tri-axles and other vehicles on the road or on stand-by as the storm approach.

· Garbage and Recycling Pickup: Garbage and recycling pickup that was cancelled for today will be picked up tomorrow.

· City Offices Are Closed Today: City Hall, Margaret E. Morton Government Center and the Health Department will be closed to the public on Tuesday January 27. Only employees essential to storm cleanup are to report to work.

· Parking: Additional off-street parking remains available at: all school parking lots; surface parking lots across the street from the Ballpark at Harbor Yard; the North End Library (3455 Madison Ave.); Veterans Memorial Park (entrance off Madison Avenue); Municipal Parking Lot located on the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Jetland Street (adjacent to 2895 Fairfield Ave.); Health Department (752 East Main St.); and the lot adjacent to the former Waltersville School (95 Gilmore St.).

From Governor Malloy:

Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced this afternoon that he has lifted the statewide travel ban as of 2:00 p.m. today.

“I want to thank the residents of Connecticut for heeding the warnings and staying off the road. We were able to reduce accidents on the highways and allow DOT workers to clear the roads. With decreasing snow bands and clearing roads, I have decided to lift the statewide travel ban effective at 2 p.m. today,” Governor Malloy said. “I have coordinated this decision with Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I would advise residents who are traveling to those states to check with state authorities regarding travel restrictions. Again, thank you to the residents of the State of Connecticut for heeding the warnings and staying safe during this storm.”

The Governor is also informing third-shift nonessential state employees not to report to work this evening. All state employees are to report to work as scheduled on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. The Governor will continue to provide updates as necessary.