Minneapolis Winter Parking Restrictions End

MINNEAPOLIS - The city of Minneapolis lifted its winter parking restrictions Friday morning, ending the one-side rules put in place last month.

Parking restrictions were put in effect Feb. 11 after snow and ice accumulations narrowed many city streets, making it difficult for fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles to navigate in some neighborhoods.

Warmer weather and sun have helped gradually melt snow and ice on Minneapolis streets, widening them to the point public works and public safety officials determined the parking restrictions could end.

Beginning March 5, normal parking rules again apply on city streets and drivers should continue to follow all posted signs. Signs restricting parking to one side of the street were posted along stretches of Bryant Avenue (from Lake to 50th streets) and Grand Avenue (from Lake to 48th streets), and those restrictions will remain in place until April 1 to allow bus access on those streets.

During the enhanced winter parking restrictions, Minneapolis firefighters made more than 1,800 runs for emergency medical calls and fires.

Winter parking restrictions were originally set to run through April 1, but Minneapolis public works officials have been monitoring conditions almost daily to consider lifting the restrictions.

St. Paul started its own winter parking restriction on Feb. 11. The city has been assessing its conditions street-by-street and lifting parking restrictions as they see fit.