WORCESTER—With snow in the forecast, Worcester officials are clearing the way for plows — and that means a citywide winter parking ban takes effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Ahead of the ban, most municipal parking garages open their doors for free overnight parking, offering residents a place to stash vehicles before plowing begins. Any car entering a city garage after 9 p.m. Monday may park at no cost until the ban is lifted, with the exception of the Federal Plaza Garage. Event rates still apply where special events are scheduled.
Residents are encouraged to use the Pearl & Elm Garage at 20 Pearl St., the Worcester Common Garage at 3 Eaton Place, Union Station Garage at 225 Franklin St., or the Major Taylor Garage at 30 Major Taylor Blvd.
Once the ban is in effect, parking will be prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency routes, bus routes and key downtown streets. On all other streets, vehicles may park only on the odd-numbered side unless signage indicates otherwise. The city’s online winter parking map allows residents to check restrictions street by street.
To support winter cleanup, sand pick-up and recycling drop-off is available at 1065 Millbury St., with additional sand locations at 22 Albany St. and 299 Clark St. before and after plowing operations.
City officials warn that ticketing and towing may be enforced during the ban to keep streets passable. Residents with questions — or those trying to locate a towed vehicle — can contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, using the 311 app, or visiting the city’s website. ALERTWorcester remains unavailable, the city noted.
During the storm, residents are urged to limit travel, allow extra time on the roads and keep clear of plows and treatment vehicles. Property owners have up to 10 hours after the storm ends to clear sidewalks abutting their properties and are encouraged, if able, to shovel around fire hydrants and catch basins. Snow may not be pushed into the street.
Additional details on winter parking bans, snow removal policies and safety tips are available on the city’s website.
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