Two weeks ago, if you were still hoping for signs that would help you hang on to the holiday spirit you probably were a little bit disappointed when driving through certain part of Bridgeport. It was at that time that the staff of the Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department began removing Christmas decorations throughout the city.

 

“The bulk of the removal took place (last) week,” said P&R Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth. “It usually takes a good two weeks got everything down.”

 

The main reason for that is the sheer volume of material that is put up for Christmas. While most are aware of the decorations put up on the Main Street corridor from Virginia Avenue to State Route 131, there are other areas that also is handled by Parks and Recreation.

 

“We also have new light poles that were put up at Meadowbrook Mall and we added new decorations to them as well,” said Shuttleworth. “Along with that and Main Street, we also decoration the fired department, the library and the (Bridgeport) City Park.”

 

Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton confirmed that the staff finished up removing the decorations a few days early. He said that the crew did the last of the work on Thursday.

 

“The weather has been helpful for the workers so that helped,” said Shuttleworth. “The real issue is that there are time components just going from light to light to take down the decorations.”

 

The issue isn’t removing the decorations. Shuttleworth said that only takes a few minutes. However, going from pole to pole requires staff to move the bucket truck, set it up just off the road and set up traffic control.

 

“You have to make sure everything is correct when you’re working along Main Street. We utilize a traffic person because you have to have a safe atmosphere for the workers and not create a hazard for those who are driving.”

 

There is one thing that results from the set up. Traffic is interrupted for short spurts. Shuttleworth said, as is usually the case, there are only minor delays and lane shutdowns are basically in a “few minutes” time frame as opposed to anything creating significant congestion.

 

“The other chore that no one really sees is the last part. Packaging the items and storing it is a major endeavor,” said Shuttleworth.