By: Jerry Filmore, Editor in Chief January 5, 2026
Get the shovels ready, Worcester. With a significant snowstorm bearing down on the region, the City of Worcester has officially announced a Declared Winter Parking Ban starting tonight, Monday, January 5, at 9 p.m.
To ensure city plows can clear the roads safely and efficiently, the city is activating its full emergency parking protocols. If you are a resident who relies on street parking, here is exactly what you need to know to avoid a ticket or a trip to the tow lot.
1. Free Garage Parking Starts at 5 p.m.
To help residents get their cars off the streets, all municipal parking garages will be free of charge for any vehicle entering after 5 p.m. today. This free access remains in place until the ban is officially lifted.
Participating Garages:
- Federal Plaza Garage: 570 Main St.
- Pearl & Elm Garage: 20 Pearl St.
- Worcester Common Garage: 3 Eaton Place
- Union Station Garage: 225 Franklin St.
- Major Taylor Garage: 30 Major Taylor Blvd.
Note: If you are parking for a special event at one of these locations, event rates will still apply.
2. Where You CAN and CANNOT Park
The rules change depending on which street you live on:
- Main Arteries & Bus Routes: Parking is strictly prohibited on both sides of the street. This includes all emergency routes and critical downtown streets.
- Residential Streets: On most other streets, parking is only permitted on the odd-numbered side of the street unless otherwise posted.
Not sure about your street? Don’t guess. Use the official Worcester Winter Parking Search Tool to look up your specific address.
3. Sand and Recycling Info
Need traction for your driveway? Free sand pick-up for residents is available at the following locations:
- 1065 Millbury St. (Also open for recycling drop-off)
- 22 Albany St.
- 299 Clark St.
4. Sidewalks and Safety
Once the snow stops, the clock starts. Residents and business owners have 10 hours after the storm ends to clear the sidewalks abutting their property. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
- Pro Tip: Please help our first responders by clearing snow around fire hydrants and catch basins in your neighborhood.
- Reminder: Do NOT plow or shovel snow into the street. It is illegal and creates a hazard for drivers.
5. Need Help? Contact 311
With the ALERTWorcester system currently down, staying connected via 311 is more important than ever.
- Call: 3-1-1 (or 508-929-1300)
- Email: 311@worcesterma.gov
- Web: worcesterma.gov/311
If your car is missing, contact 311 immediately to see if it has been towed.
Stay safe, stay off the roads if possible, and keep those plows moving!
Have a photo of the storm or a story from your neighborhood? Email Editor-in-Chief Jerry Filmore at jfilmore@whatsupworcester.com we want to see how Sector 2 and the rest of the city are handling the first big hit of 2026.
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