01/06/14 As of 11:15 a.m. Eastern time INDOT crews remain in a full call-out across the Northwest Indiana District, working hard to reopen all interstates, U.S. highways, and state routes. But drifting snow and subzero temperatures are dramatically slowing the process. All roads should be considered extremely hazardous and only emergency personnel should be driving. In addition, all counties in our District have declared red travel warnings, advising county roads are closed to all but emergency personnel as well.

EMERGENCY CLOSURES (No timeframe for reopening these interstates):

–          I-94, both eastbound and westbound, between the Illinois state line and the U.S. 421 exit (Michigan City)

–          I-65, both northbound and southbound, between U.S. 12/20 (Gary) and mile marker 172 (Lafayette)

Many other roads are impassable and closed to all traffic, but a complete list is not available due to the massive scale of this severe winter storm. Roads that may be passable, have narrow lanes due to drifting snow, or may be extremely icy and not safe for travel.

 

This is a dangerous situation and all are advised to stay home until roadways can be safely cleared. Unfortunately, not everyone is heeding the warning. Drivers have been caught going around barricades on closed interstates, like I-94 and I-65. This is extremely dangerous. They are endangering themselves and the emergency personnel tasked with rescuing these potentially stranded drivers. Dozens of people have already been rescued from impassable roadways during the past 24 hours.

In addition, many businesses are closed throughout Northwest Indiana, due to the severe weather. Therefore, motorists who find they cannot continue on impassable roadways may not have a location to take refuge.

Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts 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.