The Springfield Office of Public Works is preparing its response for a winter storm as the National Weather Service has predicted heavy snowfall between midnight and noon on Sunday.
A Snow Emergency will go into effect Saturday night at 8 p.m. and will remain in effect until Tuesday at 12 a.m. When a snow emergency is declared, all vehicles must be removed from the routes within four hours of activation.
The City of Springfield issued the following news release:
“We anticipate that weather conditions will deteriorate quickly over the next 36 hours, with significant snowfall anticipated,” said Mayor J. Michael Houston. “Because of the severity of this storm, the streets need to be as clear as possible to allow our plows to work curb to curb for snow removal.”
Under a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all streets designated as Snow Emergency Routes (http://www.springfield.il.us/Public%20Works/Snow%20Emergency%20Routes.pdf) and where existing signs indicate that parking is prohibited in the event of a snow emergency. If vehicles are parked along those routes during the Snow Emergency, motorists face the possibility that their vehicles will be removed and towed elsewhere.
“These routes are designed and prioritized to provide ample travel routes throughout the city when significant winter weather events occur,” said City Traffic Engineer Lori Williams.
Drivers are reminded to watch for snow removal crews so as to allow them room to do their work. Persons clearing private parking lots and sidewalks are reminded to not plow the snow into the streets. It is a violation of city ordinance to do so, and makes for unsafe driving conditions. During severe winter storm residents can call the Office of Public Works to report any problems or concerns at 789-2246.
A map of the Emergency Snow Routes can be found at: http://www.springfield.il.us/Public%20Works/Snow%20Emergency%20Routes.pdf
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
- Do not go out unless absolutely necessary during severe winter weather.
- Reduce speed appropriately for the road conditions.
- Keep a safe distance of several car lengths from all other vehicles.
- Give snow and emergency operations vehicles the right away and keep a safe distance at all times.
- Make sure you have a well charged cell phone if traveling under winter conditions.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a warm coat, flashlight, gloves and snow shovel.
