Snow Emergency Declared
posted
Snow Emergency Will Be in Effect until 7am on February 6.
The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown/isthmus snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6.
The Streets Division crews along with heavy equipment contractors will begin plowing all city streets at 11am on Sunday, February 4. All Madison streets should have their initial plowing 12 to 14 hours after the citywide operation commences. Streets Division crews will maintain the city salt routes until they are clear enough to switch to plowing residential areas, which is anticipated to happen around 11am. The combined plow force of the Streets Division and heavy equipment contractors will be approximately 150 pieces of equipment.
Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles and trailers from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means crews the plowing operations will be safer, faster, and more complete.
Parking on the Street Tonight (Sunday 2/4/18 into early morning of Monday 2/5/18)
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 4 into early morning of February 5) need to have their vehicles on the ODD house numbered side of the street between the hours of 1am and 7am. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators could also be towed.
Parking on the Street Tomorrow Night (Monday 2/5/18 into the early morning of Tuesday 2/6/18)
Vehicles parked on the tomorrow night (the evening of February 5 into early morning of February 6) should have their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1am and 7am. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators could also be towed.
Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced. That includes restrictions that ban parking on selected blocks in the Downtown/Isthmus area and on the near east and near west sides. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs.
Parking is available in the cashiered sections of city-owned ramps in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City ramps from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. If you enter before 9 p.m. or leave after 7 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9 p.m. and from 7 a.m. until the time you leave.
When parking in the ramps overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in city ramps longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of W. Washington Ave.
Why You Should Follow Alternate Side Parking
Following alternate side parking keeps the roads open, wide, and safe for all roadway users – cars, bicycles, emergency vehicles, refuse/recycling collection, and so on.
During tonight’s portion of the snow emergency, when you park on the ODD side of the street as you should, that leaves an open lane of travel on the EVEN side for the plows to push the snow all the way back to the curb.
And tomorrow night, for the second half of the snow emergency, parking on the EVEN side means plows can get to all the snow on the ODD side that they could not the night before since of all the parked cars were there.
Additional Information on Plowing Operations
While plowing operations will occur during the afternoon and into the evening, it is still very important to abide by alternate side parking rules during the 1am to 7am window. Crews will be working through the night after the initial plowing is over in order to clear areas blocked by cars during the initial plowing phase.
Since the Streets Division will be plowing during the afternoon and into the evening, it is probable travelers will encounter snowplows working to clear the roads. Be sure to give the operators plenty of space as they work to make the roads safe.
Also, if you are on the roads during the plowing operations, it is common to encounter temporary windrows blocking side streets as crews loop through neighborhoods plowing the snow back to the curb.
In general, everyone should make good choices when on the roads today. As temperatures drop, the salt applied to the salt routes will become less effective, and slippery areas may develop. Plan on needing extra travel time to get to your destination tonight. Drive slow. Brake early. Be cautious.
Madison residents can get additional; snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter and addition winter parking information by calling 608-261-9111.
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