City Building, Public Works Facility, and Champaign Public Library Remain Closed to Public on February 4
The City of Champaign Public Works Department continues to work around the clock addressing the snowfall which began early Wednesday morning (2/2/22) and is forecast to continue through this evening. DTN Weather Sentry reported 11.4-inches of snow depth at 11:30 am this morning and an estimated 1-2-inches has fallen since that time. City plow crews continue to follow plans outlined in the City’s Snow and Ice Control Plan. With the additional snowfall today on top of what fell yesterday, accompanied with the blowing snow, crews continue to work on plowing primary routes. As temperatures allow and drifting subsides, crews will begin treating primary routes to get them to near bare pavement. It is the goal to begin on secondary routes by Friday night (2/3/22). The City recognizes the challenges that some residents and travelers have with the conditions of the roads. Everyone’s patience is greatly appreciated.
Due to the winter storm, the Champaign City Building, Public Works Facility, and Champaign Public Library will remain closed on Friday, February 4, 2022. However, City staff will be available remotely to answer phones and provide customer service during regular business hours. Snow and ice response staff will be available 24/7 at the Public Works Facility.
Residents are encouraged to continue to stay home to allow Public Works crews to safely treat and clear roadways. If you must travel, please use appropriate precautions when driving: leave early, allow extra time to reach your destination, and be cautious around snowplows. Whenever possible, motorists are encouraged to keep the streets free of parked vehicles during this time to expedite plowing efforts. The City recommends using alternate off-street parking locations (such as the Hill Street Parking Deck in Downtown) in lieu of parking on the street.
Public Works staff will continue to proactively monitor forecasts and respond in a timely and efficient manner to threats of inclement weather. Residents are encouraged to monitor the City’s website (champaignil.gov/snow), CGTV cable channel 5, and local media for information about street clearing activities.
Emergency Traffic Crash Procedure Implemented in Champaign – Due to the high volume of traffic accidents attributed to the winter storm, Champaign Police have implemented the Emergency Traffic Crash Procedure. Only traffic crashes involving an injury or involving one or more vehicles that cannot be driven from the scene will be investigated. Officers may be dispatched if traffic is blocked. Motorists can file an online traffic crash report on the City’s website if damages are estimated at less than $1500. This applies to hit and run traffic crashes as well. Motorists can file reports with the Department again once the Emergency Traffic Crash Procedure is lifted. Due to a change in the law last year, drivers are no longer required to file a report with the Secretary of State. Look for “File a Police Report” at champaignil.gov/police.