CITY OF CHAMPAIGN PREPARES FOR SNOWFALL
The City of Champaign Public Works Department is mobilizing resources in preparation for the snowfall forecasted to begin Saturday evening, January 31, 2015. According to Public Works Operations Manager Ernesto Salinas, “We are following the plans outlined in the City’s Snow and Ice Control Plan. Public Works staff has prepped the snow plowing equipment. A crew will report to work at 7:30 p.m tonight. This crew will plow primary City streets with the goal of providing for the safety and well-being of the City’s residents and visitors. Another crew will replace them, after their shift ends to continue plowing activities. We will continue around the clock operations until the plans outlined in the snow and ice control plan is complete.”
Forecasts are calling for five to seven inches of snow with some gusty winds beginning after 9:00 p.m. Saturday evening and ending Sunday night. Due to heavy snow, blowing winds and cold temperatures, driving conditions could become dangerous with limited 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. 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. Once activated, this information will be distributed via the City’s website and other local media. To view areas affected by this ordinance, please visit the City’s website. Citizens are reminded not to place snow cleared from their property into City streets.
Public Works staff will continue to proactively monitor forecasts and to 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/snow ), 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.