Snow Route parking ban overnight tonight, Feb. 1; Snow Emergency even/odd restrictions Feb. 2 and 3

Snow clearing operations continue throughout Evanston as the City’s Public Works Agency responds to this weekend’s snowfall.

With additional snow expected on Thursday followed by extremely cold temperatures forecast for this weekend, a Snow Route Parking Ban and Snow Emergency have been declared to allow crews to clear snow to the curb while temperatures permit.

Extremely cold temperatures make snow removal much more difficult, if not impossible. By clearing streets effectively this week, parking will be easier and more accessible in the weeks ahead. Plowing to the curb also clears sewer openings, allowing for proper drainage when melting begins.

The following parking restrictions will be enforced:

Snow Route Parking Ban Overnight Tonight, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

  • Parking is prohibited on main thoroughfares designated as Snow Routes overnight tonight, from Mon., Feb. 1 at 11 p.m. until Tues., Feb. 2 at 6 a.m.
  • Emergency sirens will sound at 8:15 p.m. tonight to remind residents of the Snow Route Parking Ban.

Snow Emergency Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Snow Emergency even/odd parking restrictions apply to streets with parking on both sides that are not posted as Snow Routes.\
  • Parking is prohibited on sides of the street with even-numbered addresses on Tues., Feb. 2, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Parking is prohibited on sides of the street with odd-numbered addresses on Wed., Feb. 3, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most streets with parking on one side only now have permanent “ODD date” or “EVEN date” signs that allow them to be plowed during Snow Emergencies. Please follow the posted signage.
  • Emergency sirens will sound at 7:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Snow Emergency days.

Visit cityofevanston.org/snow for more information.

Overnight Snow Cleanup in Business Districts

Public Works crews will begin overnight snow cleanup operations in Evanston business districts tonight.

Crews will be loading and hauling away snow and ice piles, clearing parking spaces, and conducting other targeted cleanup. Business district cleanup occurs during the overnight hours when these normally busy areas are free of vehicles and pedestrians. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Even More Free Parking Options

Downtown Parking Garages

To facilitate snow clearing operations, the City has extended free parking in downtown garages through Thurs., Feb. 4 at 11:59 p.m. Garages are located at

  • Sherman Plaza, 821 Davis St.
  • Maple Avenue, 1800 Maple Ave.
  • Church Street, 525 Church St.

Drivers will need to present the ticket they received upon entering the garage in order to exit for free.

Garages are currently at approximately 50 percent capacity, and can accommodate many more vehicles.

AMITA Health St. Francis Parking Garage

AMITA Health is offering free parking in its parking garage, located at Sherman Avenue and Austin Street, through Feb. 4.

City Parking Lots

The City is offering free parking in the following surface parking lots until 8 a.m. on Feb. 4:

  • Lot 16, 800/900 Noyes St. at the CTA tracks
  • Lot 24, 727 Main St.
  • Lot 54, Central Street Metra Station
  • Lot 27, 1621 Oak Ave.
  • Lot 68, 700 block of Howard St. 
  • Lot 4, Central Street at Stewart Avenue (metered spaces only)
  • Lot 51, 927 Noyes St. (metered spaces only)
  • Lot 25, 1614 Maple Ave. (metered spaces only)
  • James Park, between the west field house and the hill, as well as the south lot near the CTA tracks (NOT the Levy Center parking lot)

District 65 School Parking Lots

Free parking is available at all Evanston/Skokie School District 65 school parking lots through Sun., Feb. 7.

Additional Street Parking

As a reminder, daytime parking is available on posted Snow Routes. Crews anticipate clearing any remaining snow from Snow Routes overnight tonight, freeing them up for daytime parking on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In addition, parking meters and pay boxes will not be enforced in the following locations through 8 a.m. on Feb. 4:

  • Custer Avenue, between Main and Washington
  • Washington Street, between Chicago and Custer
  • Madison Street, between Chicago and Custer

Street Parking Reminder

Parking meters, pay stations and mobile pay zones continue to be enforced. Download the Park Evanston mobile app.

Sidewalks Must Be Cleared

Don’t forget to clear your sidewalks of snow and ice to allow everyone, including seniors and those with disabilities, to travel safely. As a reminder: 

  • Property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice; paths must be at least 36 inches wide. This includes crosswalks and accessibility ramps.
  • All sidewalks and walkways on multi-family properties must be cleared.
  • If removing the snow is not possible, use salt or sand to eliminate the hazard.
  • Clear snow from around trash and recycling containers
  • Adopt a fire hydrant. Clear snow so that first responders can see and access it in the event of an emergency.

Get assistance: The Snow Shoveling Assistance Program connects senior and disabled residents with volunteers who are willing to provide snow shoveling services.

Trash and Recycling Containers Must Be Accessible

Trash and recycling collections will continue this week; however, pickups will be impacted by the snow, and some collections may be delayed.

Help the City stay on schedule: Please clear the area around your trash and recycling container. Crews won’t be able to empty your containers if they can’t access them.