01/07/14 As of 11 a.m. Eastern time INDOT is stressing the danger on all Northwest Indiana roads to motorists. The majority of roads are now passable after a long night by INDOT plow crews battling drifting snow. But extreme icy conditions persist on all roads due to the subzero temperatures.
Looks can Be Deceiving: Sunny weather and roadways free of most loose snow may give drivers the impression that road conditions are better than they actually are. Road salt is less effective in these subzero temperatures, and sheet of ice should be expected on all roads across Northwest Indiana, likely through tomorrow, when temperatures are expected to become more favorable for chemical melting agents and plows.
Those who must travel are asked to be prepared for these conditions before leaving and to adjust driving behaviors in order to arrive at destinations safely. Take it slow, while leaving plenty of room between vehicles, and give our plows plenty of room to work. Crashes, slide-offs and traffic backups further hinder INDOT’s snow and ice removal efforts and jeopardize the safety of others.
INDOT is asking the public to refrain from any non-emergency travel through tomorrow. All counties in Northwest Indiana remain under a “Watch” or “Warning” status, limiting travel to essential or emergency purposes, respectively. To see an updated map of county travel advisories provided by each county’s emergency management agency, go to http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory.
Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.
