By Tiffany Williams –
WORCESTER, Mass. — The City of Worcester announced that a Declared Winter Parking Ban will take effect at 12 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, as an expected snowstorm approaches the region.
To accommodate residents during the ban, all municipal parking garages, with the exception of the Major Taylor Garage, will be free of charge for vehicles that enter after 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, and remain parked until the ban is lifted. City officials noted that standard event parking rates will still apply in cases where a garage is hosting a special event.
Residents are encouraged to use the Federal Plaza Garage at 570 Main Street, the Pearl & Elm Garage at 20 Pearl Street, the Worcester Common Garage at 3 Eaton Place, or the Union Station Garage at 225 Franklin Street.
The city will make sand available for pickup and recycling drop-off at 1065 Millbury Street. Additional sand pickup locations will be open at 22 Albany Street and 299 Clark Street both prior to and following plowing operations.
During the parking ban, vehicles will be prohibited from parking on either side of main arteries, emergency routes, bus routes, and downtown streets that are critical to traffic flow. On all other streets, parking will be allowed only on the odd-numbered side unless signage indicates otherwise. Residents can check specific street restrictions through the city’s winter parking website.
City officials warned that towing and ticketing may be enforced to keep roadways clear for plowing and emergency access. Residents with questions or concerns are advised to contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or visiting the city’s 311 website. Requests can also be submitted through the 311 mobile app and by email at any time. Those attempting to locate a vehicle that may have been towed are instructed to contact Worcester 311.
Officials urged residents to limit travel during the storm and to exercise extreme caution if driving is necessary. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and to stay clear of plows and other road treatment vehicles. Property owners are reminded that sidewalks abutting their property must be cleared of snow and ice within 10 hours of the end of the storm. Residents who are able are also encouraged to clear snow from around fire hydrants and catch basins. Snow should not be deposited in the street.
Additional information about Worcester’s winter parking bans, snow removal policies, enforcement, and available resources can be found on the city’s website. Updates will also be shared on social media as conditions change, though officials noted that the ALERTWorcester system remains down. Winter weather safety and preparedness guidance is available through Ready.gov.