Bozeman to pilot odd–even alternate‑side parking on Tuesday plow route to speed snow removal

Bozeman’s transportation staff said the city will pilot an alternate‑side/odd–even parking schedule on local streets served by the Tuesday snow‑grading route to improve plowing speed and safety.

Transportation Director Nick Ross introduced the pilot as a limited test that will cover the downtown neighborhoods on the Tuesday grader route (generally south of Main) with dates spelled out in a pilot calendar: first and third Tuesdays of the month will be the “odd” side, second and fourth Tuesdays the “even” side (staff cited sample dates including Feb. 4 and 18, March 4 and 18, and April dates if needed). Ross said the program is intentionally small in scope to allow the city to learn lessons before a potential citywide expansion next winter.

Why it matters: Plow operators require curb access to store snow and finish routes efficiently. Ross told the commission the fleet can clear local streets at about four miles per hour when cars are moved off the curb but that production fell to roughly one mile per hour in a recent four‑day storm when on‑street parking impeded operations. Staff estimated the pilot will speed operations, reduce the need for additional equipment and overtime, and improve travel for bicycles and pedestrians.

Key pilot details from the presentation: - Where: Tuesday grader route downtown neighborhoods south of Main (the map and route details are posted at bozeman.net/department/streets/snowplowing per staff). - How it works: On first and third Tuesdays, residents park on the side of street with odd house numbers; on second and fourth Tuesdays, park on the even side. Staff will distribute mailers, door hangers and graphics to affected neighborhoods and put up signage. - Enforcement: During the pilot the city will not issue citations for odd–even noncompliance; instead staff will tag vehicles and issue warnings first. The existing 72‑hour parking rule remains in effect and will be enforced; vehicles left as long‑term storage remain subject to citation. - Accessibility and adjacent rules: All existing no‑parking and other posted restrictions remain. Staff noted that ADA parking requirements stem from building and federal codes; if developments provide on‑site parking lots, ADA stalls must meet those standards.

Staff asked for community cooperation and said the pilot is designed to be educational. Ross outlined follow‑up plans should the pilot succeed: broader expansion next year and additional operational changes including a pre‑grading route using smaller V‑plow trucks for small storms and potential contractor support in extreme events.

Ross thanked the streets staff and other departments (water, sewer, vehicle mechanics) for cross‑departmental help during the recent storms.

There was no formal commission action on the pilot at the Jan. 28 meeting; Ross presented the program as a special presentation for information and feedback.