Winter Procedures

Photo of a sign that reads: Help Bucky Remove Snow! No Parking Entire Drive, Nov 15 - April 15, 2 a.m. - 6 a.m.
Look for signs with the “Shovelin’ Bucky” logo along roadways and in parking lots where winter parking restrictions are in effect from Nov. 15 – April 15.

UW Transportation Services works with FP&M Physical Plant – Grounds to ensure sidewalks, bus shelters, parking lots, and roads are as clear as possible during the winter months. To help make our efforts successful, we ask you to assist us by adhering to the winter parking rules from Nov. 15 – April 15.

Winter bikers: Some bike racks are closed in certain campus locations to allow snow to be cleared from nearby walkways. These racks are roped off and signed. Please do not park at these locations from Nov. 15 – April 15.

Report Snowy Conditions

Parking Lots

Report snowy, slippery, or icy conditions in a campus parking lot.

Lot Maintenance Form

Moped Lots

Report snowy conditions in a moped lot, then park in the next available all-access lot. It can take 4-5 days to plow all moped lots.

Lot Maintenance Form

Other Areas

Contact FP&M Physical Plant Customer Service to report an issue in other parts of campus.

FP&M Customer Service

Winter Parking Rules

  • Winter parking rules apply to motor vehicles from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. every day from Nov. 15 through April 15, regardless of weather conditions.
  • No parking on Observatory Drive or Linden Drive. This includes Lot 26, 40, and 59.
  • There is restricted parking in lots 16, 34, 40, 45, 50, 51, 137 and Moped Lot 695. Please park in designated rows marked by “Shovelin’ Bucky” signs.
  • Top levels of parking ramps may be blocked off with “Shovelin’ Bucky” signs to better facilitate snow removal.
  • See the winter parking map below for specific lots affected by regular winter parking rules.
  • For roads and near-campus areas under City of Madison purview: review City of Madison winter parking rules.

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Snow Action Day Rules & Safe Practices

  • Snow Action Days will be called by the university in the event of major winter weather.
  • Review and adhere to all winter parking rules. Help keep the roads and parking lots clear.
  • No parking is allowed on the top level of university ramps. Vehicles must be moved prior to 7 a.m. to avoid citation and relocation.
  • Leave cars, mopeds, and bicycles at home. Fewer vehicles on the roads mean less congested, safer travel for all.
  • Dress for the weather. Wear warm clothes and shoes with excellent traction.
  • Printer-friendly Safe Practices PDF

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Detailed map of restricted parking areas

The image below shows lots affected by winter parking rules. The map can be printed for easy sharing with second and third shift employees, students living in residence halls, or others likely to use these lots between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Image of 2023-24 winter parking restrictions for the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. A text version of the winter restrictions are available at https://transportation.wisc.edu/winter-procedures/
Click map to enlarge.

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Winter commute tips

  • Plan ahead and leave early. Winter conditions require everyone to travel slower than usual, and make delays more likely.
  • Expect your fellow commuters on the road to encounter challenges, and be patient. Look out for each other.
  • Always dress warmly enough that you would be okay if you were outside for an hour or more.
  • Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency. If you don’t have a cell phone, tell someone where you’re going, and when you’ll be back.

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  • Be patient. Go slow, and be prepared for your fellow commuters to encounter troubles.
  • Be predictable. Drive in a manner consistent with traffic laws, and obey signals, and take extra time to ensure intersections are clear before proceeding.
  • Be defensive. Go slow. Expect the unexpected.
  • Be aware. Keep distractions such as cell phones to a minimum.
  • Be equipped. Many winter driving pitfalls can be remedied with proper equipment. A few recommendations include:
    • Emergency kit with blankets, extra clothes, warning devices, and other safety equipment
    • Window scraper/snow brush
    • Snow shovel
    • Sand or other traction assisting material

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  • Be patient. Buses prioritize safety, and will only go as fast as conditions allow.
  • Be informed. Sign up for text or email alerts so you know of major changes to service. Sign up available on the Madison Metro website.
  • Be prepared. Use Metro’s Transit Tracker to find real time arrival information and reduce your outdoor waiting time.
  • Be equipped. Wear proper clothing for the elements. Improve your traction on snow and ice with proper boots and/or traction devices.
  • Be defensive. Have the numbers of local taxi companies with you in case your bus doesn’t arrive.

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Check out the bicycle commuting page for more tips.

  • First and foremost, winter bicycling is extremely challenging, and only recommended for the experienced bicyclist. Please practice winter bicycling in a controlled environment before attempting to commute by bike.
  • Be visible. Wear bright clothing and reflective lights or material.
  • Be predictable. Ride in a manner consistent with traffic laws, and obey signals, and use designated bicycle lanes or paths whenever possible.
  • Be defensive. Go slow. Always look for oncoming traffic, and make sure motorists see you.
  • Be aware. Keep the volume on any portable devices low enough to hear traffic.
  • Be prepared. Wear proper clothing for the elements. Recommendations include:
    • Warm, waterproof, windproof outerlayers
    • Warm, waterproof mittens/gloves that do not compromise your ability to brake or change gears
    • Warm but think head covering that fits under your helmet and protects your ears
    • Warm, waterproof layer for protecting your face
  • Be equipped. Winter biking equipment is extremely helpful. A few recommendations include:
    • Proper bike lights for biking in the dark
    • Fenders
    • Studded tires

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  • Be visible. Wear bright clothing and reflective lights or material.
  • Be predictable. Walk on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, cross at cross walks, and obey signals.
  • Be defensive. Always look for oncoming traffic, make sure motorists and bicyclists see you.
  • Be aware. Keep the volume on any portable devices low enough to hear traffic.
  • Be prepared. Wear proper clothing for the elements. If you’re walking a long distance, plan routes where you can go inside to warm up along the way, if needed.
  • Be equipped. Improve your traction on snow and ice with proper boots and/or traction devices.

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