The city of St. Paul has declared a snow emergency, and residents need to be aware of the regulations to ensure smooth street maintenance and avoid penalties. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about the snow emergency phases, parking rules, and what to expect as crews work to clear St. Paul Streets.
Understanding the Snow Emergency in St. Paul
A snow emergency in St. Paul is declared to facilitate efficient snow removal from city streets. This measure is crucial for public safety and ensuring accessibility throughout the city during and after significant snowfall. The emergency has a standard duration of 96 hours, providing a structured timeline for snow plowing operations.
Night Plow Routes: Initial Clearing Phase
The snow emergency begins with the activation of Night Plow Routes. These routes, which include downtown areas and streets marked with “NIGHT PLOW ROUTE” signs, are the first to be addressed. Starting at 9 p.m. on March 5, 2025, crews began to plow these critical arteries. It’s imperative for residents to remove their vehicles from Night Plow Routes before this time to prevent ticketing and towing. These initial efforts focus on creating passable routes throughout the city, especially in high-traffic areas.
Day Plow Routes: Expanding Snow Removal to Residential Streets
Following the Night Plow Routes, the focus shifts to Day Plow Routes starting at 8 a.m. on March 6, 2025. Day Plow Routes encompass residential streets that are not designated as Night Plow Routes. If a street lacks “Night Plow” signs, it is considered a Day Plow Route. Similar to Night Plow Routes, parking is prohibited on Day Plow Routes from 8 a.m. onwards during the snow emergency. Adhering to these parking rules on both Night and Day Plow Routes is vital for the effectiveness of snow removal operations and to avoid penalties.
The Clean Up Phase: Ensuring Thorough Street Clearing
After the initial plowing of Night and Day Plow Routes, St. Paul enters the Clean Up Phase. This phase, lasting for three days over the weekend, is dedicated to refining the snow removal process. Crews re-run all plow routes to address intersections, windrows (snow piles along the sides of streets), and areas where parked cars may have hindered initial plowing. The Clean Up Phase also includes efforts to clear snow from curbs and open up blocked storm drains to manage melting snow effectively and prevent street flooding. Arterial streets are prioritized during nighttime hours in this phase, while residential streets are addressed during the day.
Reporting Missed Streets and Seeking Assistance
Despite the comprehensive plowing efforts, there might be instances where certain streets require additional attention. To report missed streets or areas needing further clean-up, residents are encouraged to call 651-266-9700, option 2. Due to high call volumes during snow emergencies, leaving a message may be necessary. For non-urgent inquiries or to provide feedback on street clean-up, residents can also email [email protected].
Staying Informed and Compliant During the Snow Emergency
Staying informed is crucial throughout the snow emergency. Residents should pay attention to updates from the City of St. Paul and adhere to all parking regulations associated with Night and Day Plow Routes. By cooperating with snow emergency guidelines, residents contribute to the efficiency of snow removal operations, ensuring safer and more accessible streets for everyone in St. Paul. The declared snow emergency, effective until March 9, 2025, at 9 p.m., necessitates the continued cooperation of all residents to ensure St. Paul streets are safely navigated throughout this winter weather event.
