WORCESTER—A declared winter parking ban took effect in Worcester at 8 p.m. Tuesday as city crews prepare for icy conditions expected overnight.
The city announced Tuesday evening that more than 40 trucks are being deployed to treat roadways across Worcester. The parking ban is intended to allow crews access to narrow streets and to safely apply ice control materials while reducing damage to private property.
Under the ban, parking is prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency routes, bus routes and downtown streets critical to traffic flow. On residential streets not otherwise restricted, parking is permitted only on the odd-numbered side of the street unless signage indicates otherwise. Residents can look up specific street restrictions through the city’s winter parking map.
To accommodate displaced vehicles, all municipal parking garages are free for any vehicle entering after 6 p.m. Tuesday and will remain free until the ban is lifted. Event parking rates still apply where applicable. City officials are directing residents to use garages at Federal Plaza, Pearl and Elm, Worcester Common, Union Station and Major Taylor Boulevard.
Sand pickup and recycling drop-off are available at 1065 Millbury St., with additional sand available at 22 Albany St. and 299 Clark St. before and after plowing operations.
City officials said towing and ticketing may be enforced during the ban to keep streets clear. Residents with questions or seeking to locate a towed vehicle are advised to contact Worcester 311. While representatives will be available starting at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, service requests can be submitted at any time through the 311 app or by email.
Residents are being urged to limit travel during the storm and to allow extra time for commutes. Motorists are asked to stay clear of plows and road treatment vehicles. Property owners are also reminded they have up to 10 hours after the end of the storm to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property. Those able to do so are encouraged to clear snow around fire hydrants and catch basins, and residents are reminded that snow should not be placed in the street.
Additional information about winter parking restrictions, snow removal policies and winter weather safety is available on the city’s website. The city noted that ALERTWorcester remains offline, with updates being shared through other channels.
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