By Tiffany Williams –
WORCESTER, MA — A Declared Winter Parking Ban will take effect in the city of Worcester at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 as officials prepare for an ожидаed snowstorm.
To accommodate residents, all municipal parking garages will be free of charge for any vehicle entering after 6 p.m. Wednesday and will remain free until the winter parking ban is lifted. Event rates will still apply for special events.
City officials said updates will be shared through social media and worcesterma.gov while ALERTWorcester remains unavailable.
Residents are encouraged to use municipal garages, including the Major Taylor Garage at 30 Major Taylor Blvd., Federal Plaza Garage at 570 Main St., Pearl & Elm Garage at 20 Pearl St., Worcester Common Garage at 3 Eaton Place, and Union Station Garage at 225 Franklin St.
Sand pick-up and recycling drop-off will be available at 1065 Millbury St. Sand will also be available at 22 Albany St. and 299 Clark St. before and after plowing operations.
During the declared ban, parking is prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency routes, bus routes, and downtown streets critical to traffic flow. On all other streets, parking is only allowed on the odd-numbered side unless otherwise posted. Residents can check street-specific restrictions at worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking.
The city warned that ticketing and towing may be enforced to keep roadways clear. Residents with questions or seeking a towed vehicle are advised to contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, using the 311 app, or visiting worcesterma.gov/311.
Officials urged residents to limit travel during the storm and to use extreme caution if driving, allowing extra time and staying clear of plows and road treatment vehicles. Property owners have up to 10 hours after the storm ends to clear sidewalks abutting their property.
Residents who are able are also asked to clear snow around fire hydrants and catch basins. Snow is not permitted to be placed in the street.
Additional information on winter parking bans, snow removal policies, enforcement, and winter safety resources is available at worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather and ready.gov/winter-weather.