WORCESTER — A declared winter parking ban is now in effect across the city as Worcester prepares for an expected snowstorm, with restrictions beginning at 8 p.m. Friday.
During the ban, parking is prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency and bus routes, and streets in the downtown area critical to traffic flow. On all other streets, parking is allowed only on the odd-numbered side unless otherwise posted. Residents can check whether their street is affected by using the city’s online winter parking map.
To help residents comply, most municipal parking garages are free to vehicles entering after 4 p.m. Friday and will remain free until the parking ban is lifted. The only exception is the Federal Plaza Garage. Event rates still apply for special events.
Available garages include the Pearl & Elm Garage at 20 Pearl St., the Worcester Common Garage at 3 Eaton Place, the Union Station Garage at 225 Franklin St., and the Major Taylor Garage at 30 Major Taylor Blvd.
Towing and ticketing may be enforced during the ban to keep streets clear for plowing and emergency access. Residents seeking information or attempting to locate a towed vehicle are advised to contact Worcester 311.
Sand pickup and recycling drop-off are available at 1065 Millbury St., with additional sand pickup locations at 22 Albany St. and 299 Clark St. before and after plowing operations.
The Clark Street Christmas tree drop-off site is closed Friday and Saturday, as the area is being used as a staging site for storm preparation. Residents are asked to use alternate drop-off locations on Millbury Street and Chandler Street.
City officials urge residents to limit travel during the storm, allow extra time if driving, and stay clear of plows and road treatment vehicles. Property owners have up to 10 hours after the storm ends to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property and are encouraged, when possible, to clear snow around fire hydrants and catch basins. Snow should not be pushed into the street.
Additional information on winter parking bans, snow removal policies and enforcement is available through Worcester 311 and on the city’s website. ALERTWorcester remains unavailable.
