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Indy DPW Prepares For First Major Winter Weather Event of 2025

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is prepared for the forecasted winter weather conditions, including a strong winter system this weekend. Starting tonight, Indy DPW will dispatch over 80 crew members to begin pre-treating roadways, bridges, and overpasses across Marion County for a snow event set to start later this evening. Indy DPW crews will operate on rotating 12-hour shifts throughout the snow event, which Indy DPW officials expect to bring up to an inch of snowfall with potential freezing overnight.

“Our crews are prepared to address the weather expected to impact our community this week and will continue to monitor and respond to any changes in the forecast” said Indy DPW Interim Director Sam Beres. “In partnership with AFSCME Local 725, we will remain focused on addressing roadway conditions throughout the duration of the expected weather impacts. We remind residents to give our snowplow and salt truck drivers space to work safely.”

Looking ahead to the weekend, several weather models show the potential for a strong winter system (Sunday AM through Monday AM) that is expected to impact several Midwestern states, including Indiana. While it is too soon to determine the exact track of the system and snowfall totals at this time, Indy DPW is preparing for the possibility of hazardous conditions and significant travel impacts.

Indy DPW reminds drivers to follow best practices when traveling in winter weather including:

  • Staying informed: Before leaving home, find out about the road conditions. Drivers need to know the weather and their limits. Follow the National Weather Service (NWS) and local media to help you stay on top of the latest conditions and forecasts.
  • Time and space: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. Remember to drive below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars and Indy DPW vehicles. Always watch out for pedestrians.
  • Pack extra resources: Stock your vehicle with extra resources that may be useful. Some resources include water, blankets, chargers for devices, extra clothes, and salt.

Indianapolis constituents can stay updated on winter weather events online by following us on Twitter @IndySnowForce and @IndyDPW. The Indy Snow Force Viewer will also be activated for this winter weather event, identifying roads located along standard routes that have been recently plowed or treated with salt during a snow event.

For more information, please visit the Indy DPW Snow Force webpage at: indy.gov/snow

SOURCE: Indianapolis Department of Public Works

Indy Snow Force Will Have 65 Trucks Out Monday – Wednesday

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Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) Snow Force

With forecasts including the possibility of snow and icy conditions tonight through Wednesday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will activate 65 Snow Force drivers beginning this evening to pre-treat roadways. Forecasts include the chance of some snow accumulation regularly expected until Wednesday, and Snow Force leadership will continue to monitor changing weather patterns to adapt the response as necessary.

Over the weekend, Indianapolis saw its first snow of the season. Indy Snow Force drivers have been preparing since early October for this winter weather season with classroom and hands-on training as well as equipment preparation.

Beginning at 11 P.M. this evening, Indy Snow Force will have 65 trucks and more than 100 team members working 12-hour shifts to address the roadways. The Indy Snow Force Viewer Map will be live at this time as well. This map will show where roads along standard routes have been recently plowed or treated with salt.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery. Remember to leave home with plenty of time to safely reach your destination, and allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles. DPW also asks motorists to keep these tips in mind when sharing the road with snow trucks.

  • Look out for flashing amber lights. These lights alert drivers from far away of plow trucks on the road.
  • Give plow trucks plenty of room to treat the roads. Plow trucks release road salt from the back of the truck, and following too closely could result in salt hitting your vehicle.
  • Stay at least three car lengths away from plows. Snow clouds thrown by plows can reduce visibility greatly, hiding other vehicles or road hazards.

Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/dpw and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce.

DPW Activating Indy Snow Force Wednesday-Friday

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With forecasts calling for several inches of sleet or snow beginning to accumulate Wednesday overnight and throughout Thursday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will activate a full call-out of Snow Force crews Wednesday afternoon to treat thoroughfares and secondary streets against icy conditions.

Indy DPW anticipates that crews will work multiple 12-hour shifts, treating streets with de-icing “salt” material or plowing accumulation, and remaining on the roadways through at least Friday afternoon.

WINTRY CONDITION DRIVING TIPS

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery. Remember to leave plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND TRAFFIC LIGHT ISSUES

Snowy and icy conditions may also lead to downed tree limbs or issues with traffic signals. If a roadway is impassable due to downed tree limbs, or if a traffic signal is malfunctioning, residents should contact the Mayor’s Action at 317-327-4622. Calls to the Mayor’s Action Center after normal business hours can be directed to DPW Dispatch by selecting option ‘2’.

INDY SNOW FORCE

Follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for regular updates on snow fight activity during winter weather events. The Indy Snow Force Viewer is a tool for Indy residents to monitor where trucks have been during a major winter weather event, showing where roads have been plowed or treated with salt.

DPW’s Indy Snow Force Treating Icy Roads

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With forecasts calling for a steep drop in temperature Thursday afternoon, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will activate Snow Force crews at 11 a.m. to treat thoroughfares and secondary streets against icy conditions after a rainy morning. Indy DPW anticipates that crews will work at least two 12-hour shifts, remaining on the roads overnight Thursday and into Friday morning.

High winds are expected to continue Thursday, with the additional possibility of freezing rain and sleet. Indy Snow Force drivers will be strategic in dropping de-icing “salt” material so that it will be effective on roadways but not washed away with any heavy rain showers.

Report Downed Tree Limbs and Traffic Signal Issues

Stormwater, forestry, and traffic signal crews will also be available to address issues related to gusty winds and high water on roadways. If a roadway is impassable due to high water or a downed tree limb, or if a traffic signal is malfunctioning, residents should contact the Mayor’s Action at 317-327-4622. Calls to the Mayor’s Action Center after normal business hours can be directed to DPW Dispatch by selecting option ‘2’.

Watch for Flooding

With the presence of so much recent precipitation, Indy residents can help reduce the potential for flooding by proactively checking storm drains, inlets, driveway culverts, and cross-pipes to remove yard debris, trash, and other obstructions. Indy DPW will additionally monitor river gauges and communicate with news outlets if area waterways are expected to enter minor or major flooding stages. Residents particularly in low-lying areas are advised to regularly check news outlets for the latest updates.

Beware of Icy Roads and Overpasses

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery. Remember to leave plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

Follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for regular updates on snow fight activity during winter weather events. The Indy Snow Force Viewer is a tool for Indy residents to monitor where trucks have been during a major winter weather event, showing where roads have been plowed or treated with salt.

Indy DPW Contracts Snow Removal for Residential Streets

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Looking ahead to the end of expected snow accumulation late Thursday night, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) plans to contract snow plow vendors to plow residential streets, likely beginning Friday morning. Contractors will address approximately 4,400 miles of smaller, residential roadways beyond the 4,000 miles of thoroughfares maintained by Indy DPW’s Snow Force crews.

Vendors are contracted for a single pass along each public, residential street— including the “Connector” network of streets and beyond, in neighborhoods across Indianapolis. Motorists who park along public, neighborhood roadways should be wary that contracted plows will be working to make a pass through each street. Indy DPW encourages motorists to “hug the curb” or park in off-street locations if possible, allowing contracted plows maximum space on tighter, residential streets.

Private neighborhood streets and those roadways not under City of Indianapolis maintenance jurisdiction will not be plowed.

Carmel, Indiana Snow Removal February 3-5, 2022

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CARMEL, IN – The City of Carmel Street Department is preparing for the first big snow of the winter season today as heavy snow and possibly ice are forecast for the next two days. The Street Department has a fleet of 92 salt trucks and plows ready to battle the elements and keep our city streets safe.

“Our plan is to complete an all-city salt in response to the ice that may come before the snow,” said Matt Higginbotham, Street Commissioner. “Based on the current forecast, we also plan to begin 12-hour shifts for our crew and will stay working around the clock until the majority of the snow has stopped.”

Once the heavy snow stops, the plan is to plow the main thoroughfares and secondary streets and get them clear and safe for travel. Then they will begin an all-city plow that will include all neighborhood streets. Residents are advised to stay off the roads during the heavy snowfall and then afterward, be patient and allow for plenty of travel space while the snowplows are clearing the main thoroughfares.

MAILBOX OR LAWN DAMAGE

If your mailbox or lawn is damaged by a City of Carmel plow, please email Evie Anderson eanderson@carmel.in.gov with your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the damage. A service request will be written for repairs. You may also choose to call 317-733-2001, but please be patient as our call volume is very heavy.

CLEARING SIDEWALKS

Business owners are reminded that it is their responsibility to clear their sidewalks after a snow event, particularly those near schools. More students are walking to school this year due to the “no bus zones” created in 2021 and we want to make sure they stay out of the street and are safely on our sidewalks.

Not everyone is able to shovel snow safely. Please be aware of neighbors who are elderly and physically unable to shovel or plow and help them clear their driveways and sidewalks if possible.

SOURCE: City of Carmel, Indiana

Indianapolis DPW Snow Removal by Indy Snow Force February 2-4, 2022

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With forecasts calling for a winter storm starting with rain Wednesday and developing into sleet and snow, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works expects to activate more than 200 personnel throughout the multi-day event, addressing the various impacts of the winter storm.

Workers across various shifts and from various teams will include those in Fleet Services, Stormwater Operations, Forestry Maintenance, Traffic Signals technicians, and Snowplow drivers and laborers.

Crews are expected to remain active for at least several days, working 12-hour shifts, as Indy Snow Force leadership continues to monitor the changing forecast.

High Water and Downed Trees and Limbs Possible

On Wednesday, with the presence of rainy conditions expected, crews will be ready to respond to issues related to gusty winds and high water on roadways. This includes forestry crews and traffic signal technicians.

If a roadway is impassable due to high water or a downed tree limb, or if a traffic signal is malfunctioning, residents should contact the Mayor’s Action at 317-327-4622. Calls to the Mayor’s Action Center after normal business hours can be directed to DPW Dispatch by selecting option ‘2’.

Pretreating Roads Difficult, Dangerous Driving Conditions Expected

The presence of rain ahead of more snowy, wintry weather (expected late Wednesday into Thursday) makes pre-treating roadways difficult; rain is known to wash away any salt material placed on the ground. Indy Snow Force drivers will watch for opportunities to salt roadways but expect to be mostly unable to pre-treat roadways ahead of ice and snow.

As rain shifts to sleet or snow, this will lead to very slick roadways and dangerous driving conditions.

Avoid Travel If Possible

Residents are encouraged to avoid travel starting Wednesday evening throughout the rest of the week.

This will allow Indy Snow Force drivers and other DPW crews plenty of space to clear roads and complete other necessary work.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses or locations known to get slippery.

Remember to leave plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths between your vehicle and Indy Snow Force trucks.

Indianapolis Department of Public Works Snow Plow Routes

Residents who park cars along DPW’s regular plow routes (PDF) are advised to park off-street if possible.

Any lane or space where a car is parked in an area that is unable to be plowed.

Moving snow out of the middle of the street can sometimes necessitate moving it into a parking lane.

Follow Indy Snow Force

Follow @IndySnowForce on Twitter for regular updates on snow fight activity during winter weather events.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer will be activated as trucks begin plowing snow from roads during this winter weather event.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer shows where roads have been plowed or treated with salt.

Indy Snow Force Drivers Treating Roads January 27-28, 2022

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With forecasts including potential for minor snow accumulation throughout today, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will have Snow Force Drivers on hand into the evening hours to treat roadways and address any winter weather conditions. A shift change at 11 p.m. will bring in fresh drivers for the early morning hours of Friday, and leadership will continue to monitor forecasts and adjust Indy DPW’s response as needed.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses, hills, or locations known to become slippery. Remember to leave home with plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths’ distance between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/DPW and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce.

Indy Snow Force Drivers Treating Roads Sunday

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With forecasts including snowfall on Sunday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) will call out a full shift of Snow Force drivers starting Saturday at 11 p.m. Crews will remain on the roadways until 11 p.m. Sunday night; leadership will monitor weather conditions to extend Indy DPW’s response as needed.

Motorists are urged to drive with care during wintry conditions, especially on bridge overpasses, hills, or locations known to become slippery. Remember to leave home with plenty of time to safely reach your destination, allow plenty of clearance near other vehicles, and keep at least three car lengths’ distance between your vehicle and Snow Force trucks.

Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/DPW and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce.

The Indy Snow Force Viewer mapping tool will be activated during this winter weather event. Residents can use the tool to monitor where crews have recently plowed snow or treated roadways.

INDOT Has Deployed 100 Trucks for Snow Storm

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West Central Indiana – With 1 to 4 inches of snow likely across West Central Indiana from Saturday after midnight through midday Sunday, the Indiana Department of Transportation will mobilize over 100 trucks to treat and plow state highways across the region as needed to keep routes safe for travel.

Crews will begin to arrive during the early morning hours tonight.

Motorists should remember to slow down, don’t tailgate, and give plow truck drivers ample room to work.

Monitor road conditions at 511in.org .