Indiana Department of Transportation officials are keeping a close eye on the weather so they can respond appropriately to the wintry precipitation mix moving across the state.
Rain, freezing rain, snow and ice are all expected, and a few degrees variance in temperatures can make a big difference. INDOT maintenance supervisors will continue to monitor developing conditions and reports from law enforcement and the public as well as local forecasts so they can respond accordingly.
If frost or other freezing weather are expected, INDOT sprays a salt-water mixture to pre-treat bridges, which are likely to freeze first. If a storm is predicted to lead off with rain, salt trucks pre-treat our roads just before pavement temperatures fall below freezing and the snow and ice begin to accumulate.
INDOT will adjust its call out of manpower, trucks and materials as appropriate to address changes in forecasted and observed road conditions. Trained INDOT employees are on call to staff plow trucks around the clock with alternating 12- to 16-hour shifts.
Freezing rain and ice can be the most dangerous and difficult conditions for drivers and plow trucks because it affects vehicles of all sizes, including those with four-wheel drive. Motorists are urged to avoid non-essential travel within the times and areas where a coating of ice is expected to accumulate.
Before venturing out, motorists should consult hourly weather forecasts and schedule high-speed and long-distance trips during the warmer hours of the day. INDOT officials say that will help save the extra time needed to slow down and drive according to the conditions. Also check the red-yellow-green traffic speeds on your map app or online at http://indot.carsprogram.org
Also, monitor current air temperatures and slow down if conditions are near or below freezing. Watch how salt trucks, emergency vehicles and other drivers are responding to the weather.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply them firmly when encountering ice. Brakes that are not anti-lock need to be pumped in order to stop safely if roads re slippery. Also, do not overcorrect with steering.
Drivers can monitor road conditions and traffic alerts across the state at any time. Visit www.TrafficWise.IN.gov or dial toll-free 800-261-ROAD (7623) for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service. Subscribe to receive text and email alerts about INDOT projects and services at http://bit.ly/INDOTsubscription.
Find links to INDOT’s regional Facebook and Twitter pages at http://bit.ly/INDOTsocial. INDOT will be providing snow and ice removal updates with posts tagged #INDOTWinterOps.
