Snow Operations Updates
Overview of Operations, Remaining Priorities & Reminders
Operations:
After clearing the primary routes in Evanston, the Public Works Department started the task of clearing residential streets, alleys, public walkways, parking lots and business districts. The operation of removing over 20 inches of snow on these surfaces is an arduous task as the City has over 140 miles of streets and over 70 miles of alleys.
From an operational standpoint, there are four crews comprised of heavy equipment, snow plows and contract dump trucks.
At night these four crews have the sole purpose of improving Evanston’s walkability.
Two of the crews are dedicated to stockpiling and hauling snow from the business districts. Another crew focuses on clearing parking lots, viaducts, bridges and public walkways. The fourth crew works both night and day on clearing the downtown area.
It is important to note that during the day, all crews work on plowing snow from primary routes as well as clearing residential streets and alleys.
Remaining Priorities:
The following list identifies the City’s remaining priorities for snow operations going forward:
• Commuter Parking
• Parking Lots
• Metered Parking Spaces
• Bus Stops/Shelters
• School Routes
• Business Districts:
- Chicago Ave (Dempster to Clark)
- Dempster (Elmwood to Hinman)
- Downtown (various locations)
Special Parking Restrictions:
Public Works crews will continue to plow residential side streets and remove snow throughout the City. Staff is requesting that residents voluntarily follow even – odd parking restrictions for the next four days – ending on Thursday, February 10th. Special parking restrictions may be posted in problem residential areas. Please note that failure to comply with these posted signs may result in vehicles being ticketed and towed off site.
City crews continue hauling, stockpiling and melting snow. Please remember to clear a path to access your refuse and recycling containers. Regular collection of these services will resume on Monday.
Sidewalk Snow Removal:
Residents and businesses are reminded to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their respective properties for the safety of their neighbors as soon as possible. Seniors and disabled individuals in need of assistance with snow shoveling can contact the City for more information on the volunteer based Snow Shoveling Program.
Refuse and Recycling Collections:
The City is asking that residents and business owners make sure that their refuse containers, carts and dumpsters are cleared of all snow and that the area around them is cleared as well.
Please note that regular residential as well as condo refuse and recycling collection will resume on Monday, February 7th.
Snow Shoveling Program for Seniors & Disabled:
This City of Evanston is happy to connect the elderly and disabled with volunteers that are willing to assist with snow shoveling; this new program has been developed to assist these community members in need. Those requesting assistance will be provided a list of individuals in the community that are willing and able to assist!
Please encourage Evanston seniors or those with disabilities needing assistance with shoveling sidewalks and driveways to contact the Levy Center at 847/448-8250 or aging@cityofevanston.org for a list of volunteers who may be able to assist them. Fill out the online Request for Snow Shoveling Assistance form here>>>.
Learn more about the program here>>>
Snow Plow Safety:
Motorists need to give snow plows enough room to do their jobs safely:
• Do not follow too closely behind the plow;
• Do not pass a snow plow on the right;
• Slow down!
• Visibility may be reduced due to blowing snow caused by plowing.
Pedestrians should:
• Avoid walking in the streets when plows are present;
• When plows or heavy equipment are in your neighborhood, please give them plenty of room to operate; and
• Do not play or sled on snow banks directly on either side to avoid plows and other vehicles.
For more information on snow operations, please contact Public Works at 847-866-2940.