(Updated) Schools to Reopen Thursday as Focus Turns to Final Clean-up

UPDATED: 10:12 p.m.
For the first time in almost a week, students will head back to class as schools prepare to reopen on Thursday, Feb. 14. In order for this to happen safely, however, residents will need to do their part in clearing sidewalks used as school access points.

Southington schools will remain closed for just one more day before opening, School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. said, and with the National Weather Service is scaling back expectations for the pending winter weather to include just snow showers, it seems things are heading back to normal for local residents.

Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback said Tuesday afternoon that it also means the requirements for keeping sidewalks clear will go back into effect and all sidewalks should be cleared by Wednesday evening.

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Warmer weather over the past several days has helped melt some snow and despte creating slushy conditions, has actually helped town staff in moving the snow and clearing roads. Main roads are now completely clear, secondary roads are nearing completion and subdivisions are now being addressed, officials said.

"Crews are continuing to focus on subdivision widening and making good progress," Brumback said.

Brumback said with the progress made, residents now should be able to clear their sidewalks and the end of their driveways without concerns that it will be covered back up later.

Brumback also released following update Tuesday night:

Crews have made significant progress in the subdivisions and secondary roads, ending at 6:30 p.m. This will allow for residents to clean up tonight and not be faced with a mess as they need to leave for work in the morning.

Crews will resume this work at 7 a.m. and we anticipate completion of this work in its entirety by 3:30p tomorrow. This will allow for a transition into the next phase of the removal work.

Crews will begin mass snow removal in the downtown parking lots at 2 a.m. Thursday. Moderate snow that is forecasted should be able to be dealt with in conjunction with this work.

Though still in the planning stage, we anticipate downtown street snow removal to begin late Friday night, Feb. 15. Time still to be determined.

School access walk clearing will begin tomorrow at 7 a.m. and will be completed prior to start of school Thursday, Feb. 21.

Resident response remains good overall with only minor problems. Reminder to a residents: sidewalk clearing is back as a requirement and school resumes Thursday.

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