Alternate side parking: Milwaukee DPW calls for overnight snow removal operation Monday, Tuesday
MILWAUKEE -- The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works called for an overnight snow removal operation Monday night, Jan. 28 and Tuesday, Jan. 29 after another winter storm dumped several more inches of snow in southeast Wisconsin.
The snow removal operation requires alternate side street parking in Milwaukee.
Drivers are asked to please park on the EVEN numbered side of the street on Monday night by 11 p.m., through 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Residents must then move their vehicles Tuesday to the ODD numbered side of the street by 11 p.m., through 6 a.m. Wednesday.
DPW officials said posted signs take precedence, and no parking is allowed on thoroughfares and streets with bus routes during those overnight hours. As not all winter
parking rules are posted, residents should also check for parking restrictions HERE. Residents can also call 414-286-CITY-2489.
Parked vehicles should not impede the flow of traffic in the travel lane. This includes both the streetcar route and other city roadways. If a vehicle cannot be properly parked flush to the curb and out of the flow of traffic, whether due to snow or otherwise, then we discourage individuals from parking in that particular spot and reserve the right to ticket and tow.
Designated Milwaukee Public Schools lots will be available for off-street parking beginning Monday at 7 p.m. This parking option is designed to assist residents who live in congested parking areas to find overnight parking from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. All vehicles must be moved from MPS lots by 7 a.m. the following morning or they may be subject to ticketing and towing. For a list of school parking lot locations, CLICK HERE. Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive a Winter Parking Alert via a text message and/or email message which serve to notify them that a DPW operation has been called, and that vehicles must be moved accordingly. To sign up for either or both alerts, CLICK HERE or call 414-286-CITY for assistance.
In an update Monday evening, DPW officials said 300 pieces of equipment were being used to clear snow, addressing arterial routes and residential areas. The goal was to clear snow from the driving lane of every street by 6 a.m. Tuesday. Salting was done very early Monday morning -- around 1 a.m.
DPW officials noted this would be a challenging cleanup, and said it would be "difficult, if not impossible, to stay ahead of the storm."
As of Monday afternoon, totals ranged from about 4 inches to 15 inches, with snow still falling in parts of southeast Wisconsin.
It was also growing more challenging to find parking on Milwaukee's east side, with space at a premium near Brady Street. The houses are so close, most people had no option but to push the snow to the curb, making parking on already crowded streets even more difficult. At Brady and Franklin, for example, the street was shrinking.
"It adds a lot of challenge," said Peter Preston, who stayed home from work to shovel.
The snow piled onto curbs and spilled into the road, forcing drivers to take a chance.
"You have to make the decision. Do I potentially bury my car, or do I drive around a dozen times looking for a spot?" said Preston.
The precious spots were few and far between ahead of the street parking requirements taking effect Monday night.
"I imagine most of these cars will get tickets, because no one is going to move them. We see lots of parking tickets on the east side," said Tommy Kilowith, who stayed home to plow snow.
Kenny Kilgore took a chance, and paid a high price -- a ticket and tow for parking close to his house, but on the wrong side of the street.
"We knew this was coming," said Kilgore. "It's just a lose-lose situation. You gotta fight that in addition to the weather, so there is no winning."
Officials with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said deputies would be patrolling the Milwaukee County freeway system, assisting motorists and ensuring safety. They asked that everyone review the following information before hitting the road: