It's hard to think about snow when our weather has been so nice but the city of Milwaukee informed residents Monday about new parking regulations this winter.
Restrictions for winter parking begin Dec. 1, no matter what the weather looks like. Signs will alert you of streets where parking is restricted from Dec. 1 to March 1.
The city says a lot of drivers were confused by the four-inch rule, so it's gone. Instead, you'll notice new signs alerting people to parking rules whenever the department of public works announces a snow removal operation.
"My message to winter is bring it on, hit us with your best shot," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
He joined DPW officials Monday to lay out this year's winter parking regulations, saying the department is ready for the snow.
New this year, whenever DPW announces a snow removal operation, drivers will need to remember to park on alternate sides of the street overnight.
New signs have replaced the four-inch rule signs reminding drivers of the change.
"So on an odd calendar day, you'd park on the odd side of the street starting at 11 p.m. and on an even calendar day, you'd park on the even side of the street from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.," said Laura Daniels, the DPW director of operations.
DPW will alert the community about snow removal operations through the media and through mobile alerts you can sign up for online. After you register, select "winter alerts" among other choices to be notified of snow removal operations.
Also new this year, the city is using a treated salt mixture to keep roads safe on those really cold days.
"When we get a cold snap, rock salt may not be as effective as we need it to be," Daniels said. "And therefore we'll be implementing the treated salt application."
The salt is colored green only to distinguish it from rock salt. It has magnesium chloride, a rust inhibitor and an organic de-icing agent. It is more expensive than rock salt, but DPW says it's more effective and it's safer on cars, equipment and infrastructure.
It will only be used when pavement temperatures reach 15 degrees or less.
"Even though it's more expensive, it's not something we need to use all the time," Daniels said.
She also said that they have increased their anti-icing truck fleet. Last year, DPW had three anti-icing trucks, this year they have six. They plan to conduct more anti-icing operations where they put salt brine on bridges, overpasses and main roadways.
