WORCESTER—As another snowstorm potentially approaches the city, officials have declared a winter parking ban effective at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, to keep streets clear and emergency routes accessible. Residents are reminded to limit travel, exercise caution on icy roads and allow snowplows to do their work safely.
During the ban, parking is prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency and bus routes, and downtown streets critical to traffic flow. On other streets, vehicles may park only on the odd-numbered side, unless signage indicates otherwise. Officials warned that towing and ticketing could be enforced to maintain clear roadways. Residents can confirm street restrictions through the city’s website at worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking or by contacting Worcester 311, which will be available starting at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
During this time, all municipal parking garages offer free parking for any vehicle entering after 10 a.m., with the exception of event rates for special occasions. Available garages include Federal Plaza, Pearl & Elm, Worcester Common, Union Station, and Major Taylor garages, according to a city announcement.
In addition, sand pick-up and recycling drop-off will be available at 1065 Millbury St., with sand also accessible at 22 Albany St. and 299 Clark St. prior to and following plowing operations. Residents are encouraged to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 10 hours of the storm’s end and to remove snow around fire hydrants and catch basins to support public safety. Officials emphasized that snow should not be shoveled into streets.
City leaders reminded motorists to leave extra travel time during the storm and to stay clear of plows and other vehicles treating the roads. While Worcester’s ALERT system is currently offline, the city’s social media channels provide updates as conditions develop. For additional guidance on snow removal, winter weather safety, and submitting service requests, residents can visit worcesterma.gov or ready.gov/winter-weather.
