The City of Champaign Public Works Department is mobilizing resources in preparation for the snowfall forecasted to begin between around 12:00 pm today, December 31. 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. A crew will report to work at 3:00 pm this afternoon and continue working throughout the night. A second crew will report at 11:15 pm and continue working until Tuesday morning. These crews will treat and/or clear City streets with the goal of providing for the safety and well being of the City’s citizens and visitors.” All City bridges will be pre-treated in preparation for the snowfall.
Forecasts are calling for one to two inches of snow accompanied with winds and potential for some rain. 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.
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), 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.