Evanston Declares Snow Route Parking Ban, Snow Emergency

EVANSTON, IL — City officials announced a snow route parking ban and snow emergency in response to the weekend's snowfall and forecasts showing additional snow followed by extremely cold temperatures.

Plowing during the week is expected to ease parking while there's still snow on the ground and improve drainage once it melts, according to an announcement.

Emergency sirens are scheduled to sound at 8:15 p.m. Monday to announce the snow route parking ban, which takes effect at 11 p.m.

Public works crews will load and haul away piles of snow and ice from the city's business districts during the night.

Parking will be forbidden through 6 a.m. Tuesday on all main thoroughfares designated as snow routes.

From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, parking will be only allowed on the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses.

And from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, parking will only be allowed on the even-numbered side of the street.

Sirens are due to sound at 7:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. both days.

Parking is free in city garages and lots through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday.

To park at the Sherman Plaza garage, 821 Davis St., Maple Avenue garage, 1800 Maple Ave. or Church Street garage, 525 Church St., drivers need only keep the ticket they got upon entrance.

Parking is also free in city-owned surface lots until 8 a.m. Thursday, city staff announced. The St. Francis Hospital parking lot at Sherman Avenue and Austin Street is free through Thursday. And parking lots owned by Evanston/Skokie School District 65 are open for free parking through Sunday.

While parking meter fees will continue to be enforced, there are three areas where parking limits will not be enforced before 8 a.m. Thursday: Custer Avenue between Main and Washington; Washington Street between Chicago and Custer; and Madison Street between Chicago and Custer.

Trash and recycling collections will continue, according to an announcement from city staff, but some collections may be delayed.

Seniors and people with disabilities seeking a volunteer to assist with snow shoveling may register for the cities snow shoveling program. Residents can register for assistance or to volunteer online.