Snow Emergencies & Winter Parking

You can call 608-810-4200 to learn if the City has declared a snow emergency.

(Do Not leave a message. We do not check them)

Snow Emergency Parking Regulations
In an effort to improve snow removal operations, the City of Portage has modified the Snow Emergency parking regulations.  These new regulations should allow the Department of Public Works to respond to snowfall events in a more timely manner, improve the efficiency of plowing operations, and provide safer travel conditions for the plow operators and motorists, alike.

As conditions warrant, the Department of Public Works will declare a Snow Emergency and the time that it will take effect.  This will be communicated by the local radio stations and the newspaper, when practical.  At the specified time, parking is prohibited on all designated snow routes, which are signed with red and white snow route signs.  Two hours thereafter, parking is prohibited on all other streets, excepting the Central Business District.  Vehicles not complying with these parking regulations are subject to a $50 fine.

Snow Emergency parking regulations in the Central Business District remain unchanged.  Parking is prohibited between Midnight and 7:00 AM when a Snow Emergency is declared.  Vehicles parked within the Central Business District will be ticketed and towed.  Violators will receive a $50 fine and will be required to pay any towing and storage charges.

A Snow Emergency remains in effect for 48 hours unless it is canceled sooner by the Department of Public Works.

The Department of Public Works has established a 24 hour Snow Emergency “Hotline” at 608-810-4200.

A prerecorded message will inform you whether or not a Snow Emergency has been declared and the time at which it takes effect. Do Not Leave A Message as we do not check that extension.

The key to complying with these parking regulations is to use common sense.  If snow is forecasted or it is apparent that streets will need to be plowed, please remove your vehicle(s) from the street until the snow emergency is terminated.

24 Hour parking is available at Market Square - all of the parking spots; and the Library - marked spots.

For your information, those streets that have been posted as Snow Routes include the following:

Cook Street - (Pierce to STH 33)
DeWitt Street
East Albert Street - (STH 33 to Haertel)
East Slifer Street - (New Pinery to Hamilton)
Haertel Street
MacFarlane Road - (DeWitt to Cook)
New Pinery Road
Silver Lake Drive
Wisconsin Street
Eastridge Drive - (New Pinery to Hunter's Trail)
Hunter's Trail - (Eastridge Drive to rear of Divine Savior Healthcare Medical Facility)