INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is continuing to monitor and respond to changing weather conditions.
Indy DPW has already dispatched 60 drivers as of 7 a.m. Friday to begin pre-treating roadways across Marion County for the snow event, which has now started. Indy DPW currently has crews treating and clearing roadways across Marion County and downtown, with a shift change of drivers occurring at 11 p.m. tonight.
“Our crews are always prepared for whatever comes their way,” said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget on Friday. “The staff with Indy DPW have been monitoring this snow system closely and have already dispatched resources so are able to address the needs of Indianapolis.”
Forecasts have varied as regarding the amount of snow and exact timing. Right now, officials with Indy DPW are expecting the heaviest snow to be between 2-5 p.m. with the potential for refreezing overnight. Total accumulations could be between 2-3” of snowfall, though the there is a possibility for higher totals.
Representatives with Indy DPW, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and NBA All-Star organizers have been in close coordination with regard to the weekend NBA All-Star weekend festivities downtown. Officials are expecting a high volume of both foot and vehicle traffic through the downtown area Friday through Sunday.
Additional crews are working to make sure high traffic zones like Georgia Street are addressed and ready for those going to the event. Attendees for today’s All-Star events should check out the “Know Before You Go” page on the NBA All-Star website, which includes maps, parking and updated road closures. Indy DPW would also like to remind drivers to follow best practices when traveling in winter weather. They include:
• 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. Drivers often aren’t prepared for rapid change in road conditions. Remember to drive below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars. Always watch out for pedestrians.
Officials are also encouraging downtown businesses to pretreat their sidewalks, remove snow this afternoon, and plan on additional treatments early Saturday and throughout the weekend. The Downtown Indy Clean Team are also out helping to keep sidewalks clear in high-traffic areas.
Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/snow and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce and @IndyDPW. The Indy Snow Force Viewer will also be used throughout the season, showing where roads along standard routes have been recently plowed or treated with salt during a snow event.
For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder during 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend here in Circle City, click here.
