Lincoln's Snow Plan
News Releases
- Snow/Traffic Condition Report (12/19/08, 4:30 p.m.)
- City Prepared for Winter Weather (12/9/08)
- City to Apply Anti-Icing Material (10/31/08)
When Lincoln has a winter storm, the City's goal is to keep the streets cleared and safe. For City crews to accomplish this goal effectively and efficiently, community cooperation is required. Residents are discouraged from parking on the street during any snow storm and are encouraged to plan ahead for alternative off-street parking.
Residents also are asked to stay informed on the status of snow operations by checking news media sources, the City Web site or 5 CITY-TV, the City's government access channel.
Download Snow Emergency Map (79 K)
The Mayor may declare two types of parking bans:
Snow Emergency:
Parking is banned on both sides of emergency snow routes, arterial streets and City bus routes, as indicated on the map. The ban is in effect until terminated by the Mayor and the Snow Emergency declaration is rescinded. These routes must remain open for emergency vehicles. Bus routes are marked with signs in residential areas.
Residential Parking Ban
Parking is first banned on the even-numbered (north and east) side of the street. Once the Mayor has terminated that ban, parking will be banned on the odd-numbered (south and west) side of the street, and parking is again permitted on the even side. The news media, the City Web site and 5 CITY-TV will indicate when these bans go into effect and when they are rescinded. (This procedure is a change from previous years, when parking was banned on both sides of the street in most residential areas.)
Tickets/Towing
Cars parked illegally during Snow Emergency or Residential Parking bans are subject to fines, towing and storage costs at the owners' expense. For information on the location of towed vehicles, call the Lincoln Police Service Desk, 441-7204.
Sidewalks/Driveways
City ordinance requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks by 9 a.m. the day following the end of the snow storm. Sidewalks must be kept clear of snow and ice during the day. The entire width of the walk must be cleared, along with any adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. For more information or to report locations not cleared, contact the Public Works and Utilities sidewalk office at 441-7541.
If a property owner does not clear the walk and a complaint is received by the City sidewalk office, notice will be given to the owner. City ordinance requires written notice to be left on the front door or other conspicuous place on the property. If an unresolved problem is reported again, the City may hire a snow removal contractor, and the owner is responsible for the charges.
It is illegal to push or blow snow into or on any street, alley or sidewalk. Violators are subject to a fine.
Residents are encouraged to clear snow from fire hydrants.
Information in Other Languages
Residents who do not speak English can be referred to these agencies, which receive snow reports by fax:
- Lincoln Action Program
- 471-4515
- Asian Center
- 477-3446
- Hispanic Center
- 474-3950
Property Damage
The public right of way, including those areas between the sidewalk on both sides of most roadways, is owned by the City. Private property owners are allowed to place objects such as mailboxes, sprinkler systems, landscaping and driveways in the public right of way. Property owners are responsible for maintenance, replacement or any damages to the objects on City property caused by, but not limited to, snow removal, street sweeping or other City activities.
Related Links
Bus Schedules & Route Maps
Use Startran for an alternative way to travel when it snows.
