Columbia snow parking policy in effect; fines and towing possible
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia has put its snow-route parking policy in effect as a winter storm continues to blanket Mid-Missouri.
Columbia Public Works said on its social media accounts Monday morning that snow accumulation was just below 2 inches with more snowfall expected. The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team forecasts an additional 2 inches could fall on Columbia on top of that before snowfall ends Monday night.
The city bans curb parking on priority snow routes when snow accumulation reaches 2 inches.
Violators could be fined $100 plus towing and storage fees. Text alerts about snow parking are available through Nixle.com or by texting COLUMBIAPW to 888-777.
Public works classifies first priority routes as "major residential and arterial streets for public safety needs." These routes include Broadway and Green Meadows Road.
Second priority routes are classified as heavily traveled collector and residential streets, city and school bus routes and streets connecting to schools and hospitals. These routes include Derby Ridge Drive and Fairview Road.
Third priority routes include residential neighborhood access. These routes include Steeplechase and Dunbar drives. Priority areas include downtown streets and priority neighborhoods.
During a major winter weather event, Columbia Public Works clears and plows priority routes"'24 hours per day as needed and other routes are cleared to a passable condition during business hours."
Below are pictures from the Columbia Public Works of what a passable road condition looks like.
Before traveling, drivers are encouraged to check the Columbia Street and Snow Route Priority Viewer which is updated every 30 minutes with local road conditions and outlines the first-, second- and third-priority routes.
Drivers are also encouraged to look at MoDOT's traveler information map.
Columbia Public Works crews reported at 7 a.m. Monday and are focusing on first-, second- and third-priority routes. The city is planning for 3 to 6 inches of snow to fall on the roads.
Check back for weather and road updates and watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6.
