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.
