The City of Champaign Public Works Department will mobilize resources in preparation for the snowfall forecasted to begin between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. Sunday, March 24. According to Public Works Director Dennis Schmidt, “We are following the plans set forth in the City’s Snow and Ice Control Plan. Public Works staff has prepped the snow plowing equipment on Friday prior to leaving for the weekend. A crew will report to work at 11:30 p.m. tonight, Saturday March 23 and work throughout the night. A second crew will report at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday and we will continue to work throughout the duration of the forecasted snowfall. These crews will treat and/or clear City streets, parking lots, and sidewalks with the goal of providing for the safety and well being of the City’s citizens and visitors.” City bridges were pre-treated in preparation for the snowfall.
Forecasts are currently calling for snowfall of four to eight inches, accompanied by gusty winds, which could make streets slippery and limit visibility. Citizens are encouraged to take appropriate precautions when driving: leave early, allow extra time to reach your destination, stay off the streets whenever possible, and be cautious around snowplows. Citizens are also reminded not to shovel or plow snow from their property into the street. In the event of two or more inches of accumulation, the Public Works Director has the authority to activate the Emergency Snow Routes and the Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance. If either is activated, additional information will be released via several outlets including media and the City’s website.
Public Works staff will continue to proactively monitor forecasts and respond in a timely and efficient manner to threats of inclement weather. Citizens are encouraged to monitor the City’s website (www.ci.champaign.il.us), CGTV Cable Channel 5 and local media for information about street clearing activities. Whenever possible, Citizens are encouraged to keep City streets free of parked vehicles during this time to expedite plowing efforts and to utilize alternate off-street locations (such as the Hill Street Parking Deck in Downtown) in lieu of parking on the street.