When snowfall occurs this winter, Geneva residents should be prepared to move their parked cars off the street to ensure the City’s plowing operations run efficiently.
Parking is prohibited when snowfall reaches:
2 Inches
Posted “Snow Routes,” which are highways and main collector streets with higher speed limits.
3 Inches
Residential roadways, including alleys, cul-de-sacs and dead ends.
The Geneva Public Works Department also can restrict parking based on the forecast from the National Weather Service or other weather agencies for snow, sleet or freezing rain. If weather conditions are predicted to be hazardous to motorists, a parking ban may be put into effect to promote public safety and welfare on the roadways. Access to snow routes and residential streets are important in providing emergency services to the community.
With cooperation from residents and visitors, Public Works crews will be able to maximize the effectiveness of their snow removal operations. Cars left on the street during a parking ban risk being ticketed or towed.
During major snow events, residents can find parking restrictions and plowing updates on the City’s website. People can subscribe to receive those updates by clicking the “Notify Me” button and selecting “Community Alerts.” Information also will be posted on the City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
When road conditions become hazardous, “Snow Routes” are cleared of snow and ice first before crews will transition to residential neighborhoods. Parking is not permitted on residential streets at any time within 12 hours following a snowfall of 3 inches or more or until a street has been plowed to the curb. During a major snowstorm, residential streets will receive one pass in each direction to provide access for motorists and emergency vehicles. After the snowfall has ended, all streets will be plowed curb-to-curb.
In addition to plowing, Public Works crews use an anti-icing program that includes different applications of a liquid mixture of salt brine, calcium chloride and an agricultural byproduct (typically beet juice). Crews can custom blend the mixture for each snow event based on pavement/air temperatures and wind speeds to efficiently slow roadway icing.
The mixture can be applied directly to the street (white lines may be noticeable on the pavement) up to 48 hours before a snow event, or added to the salt to jumpstart the activation process in cold weather.
Anti-icing has several benefits. Most importantly, it helps crews remove snow and ice from the pavement faster. It also reduces the average amount of salt applied during snow events by 15 to 20% – saving money and helping protect the environment.