12/31/13 As revelers prepare to usher in 2014, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) crews are prepping for heavy snow that’s expected to fall beginning early this evening and through Thursday. Much of our Northwest Indiana District is under a Winter Weather Advisory, and total accumulations for our area could be 6 to 9 inches by Thursday.
INDOT is Ready: INDOT crews are rotating shifts today to ensure a full call-out is available 24 hours a day, in alternating 12 hour shifts, until all roads are clear. Crews include plow/salt truck drivers, dispatchers, snow and ice forecasters, operations managers, and mechanics. INDOT drivers pre-treated highways this morning and will begin patrolling roadways before snow starts to fall. Once the snowfall starts, crews will begin plowing and treating interstates, U.S. highways, and state routes to make roadway conditions as safe as possible.
Driver’s Role: Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead before hitting the roads for New Year’s Eve celebrations tonight. As always, be sure to have a designated driver if you plan to celebrate with alcohol. But also remember, designated driver or not, your drive home in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day could potentially be during the height of this winter storm. Despite a full call-out of INDOT crews, roads may be slick and snow-covered. If you don’t have to be on the roads, don’t. If you must travel, take it slow and allow plenty of room between vehicles. Also, keep your distance from INDOT plows, and give our drivers plenty of room to get the job done.
Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road conditions and traffic alerts across the state at any time via the District’s social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.
