The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is warning motorists that flooding continues to cause problems on several roads across Northwest Indiana. Many of the same closures from the past several days remain, as flood waters have yet to recede and rain continues to fall.
In some areas, State Road 55 running through Lake and Newton Counties has three feet of water covering the closed road. Water is now flowing over the guard rails at some locations. There is over a foot of flood water on parts of U.S. 231 in Jasper County, where the road is also closed. Currently U.S. 41 has only one lane closed in parts of Lake and Newton County, but waters continue to rise and condition could warrant additional lane closures. Despite these extreme conditions some drivers continue to go around barricades and drive through dangerous high water areas.
State Roads affected in Starke County include: State Road 23 between State Road 10 and U.S. 30, State Road 218 – between State Road 29 and U.S. 35, State Road 17 – between State Road 14 and State Road 16 and State Road 23 – between U.S. 30 and State Road 10.
INDOT crews continue to check ditches, culverts, and pipes to make sure all are clear so highway drainage is flowing as well as possible. But in these extreme conditions, high water may not recede until rain waters subside. INDOT crews will also continue to patrol state roadways day and night to make sure high water signs are posted and roads are closed as needed.
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.
