2008 Woodie Awards
Bridgeport; a weary winter wonderland
Brittany Raine
Issue date: 1/26/06 Section: News
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On the morning of Jan. 16, the fleets of snow plows that rule the roads of Bridgeport were absent, leaving the city streets and citizens in snowy disarray.
From Fairfield Avenue to Main Street, the once well-traveled roads laid immortalized under a threatening and icy shell.
"The main roads and side streets of Bridgeport were extremely hazardous," said junior Matthew Morici.
"I found it ironic that when it snows two feet the plows have the roads perfectly clear, but when it snows three inches, the plows and even the sand trucks are no where to be found."
The disgruntled remarks of returning students and city citizens echoed across the weary winter wonderland of Bridgeport.
"I witnessed four accidents due to the snowy and icy road conditions," said Morici. "The worst part about the roads was that they were not clear until two days after the snow."
Plans were not ready for the previously forecasted winter weather. The city of Bridgeport's Department of Public Facilities became well aware of the backlash from the Bridgeport community in their "lack of attention" to the arctic streets. Radio talk shows to editorials, Bridgeport and the surrounding towns voiced their outrage.
Interstate 95 remained clear with sand trucks and plows at the traveler's discretion, as Bridgeport and its plows succumbed to the harsh winter elements that left Fairfield County with a few inches of snow, icy conditions and a lot of angry drivers.
The roads became an issue for the Sacred Heart students returning from a lengthy winter break.
The weather hindered students' travel plans and especially their unpacking efforts, as they sauntered through the snow, slipping and sliding into their dorms.
The storm that ripped through Bridgeport and Fairfield became an even bigger problem for students that lived off campus. Park Avenue and many of the other back roads became a test of courage and driving skills.
"For someone like me who drives a two door, four cylinder coupe and lives off campus, it is hard to get to work and school," said Morici.
"Many of us don't want to risk our lives. It is sad to say but for some people, including myself, the bad road conditions aren't an excuse for being absent anymore."
The football playoff games became a choice form of entertainment as many chose to remain inside and not face the frigid winds and icy terrain.
A select few cars and SUV's faced the roads no faster than 20 m.p.h. in search of food or with a definite destination in mind.
Bridgeport became a desolate city frustrated by the mystery of the missing plows.