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First Snowfall of the 2024-25 Season, Indy DPW Prepping Streets

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FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON 2024 25

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON LATE TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW

2:28 PM EST Wed November 20, 2024

Two rounds of snow are expected across much of central Indiana. The first round will begin late tonight and end by mid-morning with amounts of less than an inch. Heavier snow will arrive mid to late afternoon and may impact the evening commute.

Total snow is likely between 1 and 3 inches with some locally higher amounts.

Accumulations will be highest on grassy and elevated surfaces with slushy road conditions due to warm ground temperatures.

Slow down, drive carefully, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Indy DPW to deploy plowing crews

IndyDPW Snow 2024

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is proactively preparing for the anticipated snowfall by deploying crews overnight and throughout tomorrow to ensure road safety for all residents.

According to the National Weather Service, Indianapolis is forecasted to see 2-3 inches of snow. At this time, snowfall is expected to begin between 3 and 4 AM. With that in mind, a team of a dozen drivers will operate four trucks to pre-treat and salt city roads starting at 11 PM tonight. Early tomorrow morning at 7 AM, additional crews will be dispatched to re-salt and clear the roads as needed to maintain safe driving conditions.

Although freezing pavement temperatures are not currently expected, DPW crews are taking proactive measures to address the snowfall and minimize potential disruptions to morning commutes.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of Indianapolis residents during the first weather event of the season,” said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget. “Our crews will be working diligently through the night and into the morning to keep our roads clear and safe.”

Residents are encouraged to use caution while driving during and after snowfall. A few safe driving reminders are as follows:

  • Allow extra time for travel
  • Maintain safe distances from snowplow trucks
  • Clear your vehicle of any snow or other visual obstructions before driving
  • Drive at slower speeds
  • Leave extra distance between other vehicles on the road
  • Pack bags of sand, blankets, water, and extra clothes

For updates on snow removal efforts, road conditions, and safety tips, follow DPW on social media, follow plow progress online, or visit www.indy.gov/snow.

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.

Indianapolis Trash Pickup Cancelled Thursday-Friday

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Due to the ongoing winter storm, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works has announced that all Thursday, February 3, 2022, and Friday, February 4, 2022, residential and heavy trash, as well as curbside recycling service, is suspended this week, including service completed by Republic Services and Waste Management. The Citizens Transfer Station will also be closed this Saturday.

Residents affected by this suspension will receive double service on their next service day. For standard trash collection, this will be next Thursday and Friday, February 10 & 11, 2022. Extra bags of waste will be serviced if placed next to carts for pickup.

Heavy Trash Pickup Changes

Regarding heavy trash collection, homes serviced by Indy DPW or Waste Management will be eligible for double pickup (up to four items) on their regularly-scheduled heavy trash service day in March.

Homes serviced by Republic Services may simply place heavy trash items at the curb on any other trash service day.

Recycling

Residents with additional questions about curbside recycling should reach out to their private hauler.

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.

Indianapolis Heavy Trash Pickup Suspended Due to Staffing Shortage

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The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) has announced that issues with staffing have led to delays in heavy trash service in areas served by Indy DPW solid waste this fourth week of the month. Heavy trash service in DPW-served solid waste districts is offered one week per month on each route’s regular trash collection day.

In order to prioritize uninterrupted service of standard curbside trash collection, Indy DPW will suspend heavy trash service through Saturday, September 4 for those in DPW districts who normally see their heavy trash collection on the fourth and first weeks of the month. Leadership will review staffing levels next week and make a determination on heavy trash collections for the week of September 6.

Indianapolis Citizens Transfer Station

Indy DPW will continue to staff the Citizens Transfer Station on Saturdays, to which residents can bring larger trash items for correct disposal. The location and hours can be found at www.indy.gov/activity/citizens-transfer-station.

Indy DPW leadership thanks the residents in its solid waste districts for their patience as staff work to cover all residential routes. In order to best serve households, residential trash collection must remain a top priority in that every home has residential trash every week, and yet not every home has heavy trash each month.

Indianapolis Residential Recycling

This announcement comes as many residents inside and outside of DPW solid waste districts have recently experienced issues with recycling collection. While Indy DPW services regional recycling drop locations, the City of Indianapolis nor Indy DPW has any hand in curbside recycling agreements. Issues with delays in curbside recycling should be addressed with a resident’s individual provider (often Republic Services).

Find Your Indianapolis Solid Waste Pickup Information

To locate your solid waste district number, hauler, and heavy trash frequency, input your address into the widget at www.indy.gov/workflow/trash-pickup. For more information, visit indy.gov.