2/13/2007
Media Contact:
Ericka Wheeler
317-327-7868 (O)
317-223-1375 (C)
Margie Smith-Simmons
317-327-4669 (O)
317-945-2529 (C) |
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Snow Update: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 – 10:40 a.m.
Snow rapidly turns to sleet in Indianapolis metro area
INDIANAPOLIS – An updated forecast provided by the National Weather Service indicates that the city will continue to see sleet until approximately 12 p.m. at which time the sleet will turn to snow with an expected additional accumulation of six inches by midnight.
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) has been diligently working to combat the snow since Monday evening at 7 p.m. by pre-salting the city streets with a fleet of 82 snow plow trucks. As the snow began to accumulate, the trucks lowered their blades and focused their snow removal efforts on the major thoroughfares. In addition, 25 trash trucks were retrofitted with snow plows to assist with snow removal.
The private contractors were also called to action and added approximately 100 additional pieces of snow removal equipment to the city’s arsenal. Private contractors began navigating the streets at 4 a.m. and focused their efforts on residential “feeder” streets – the main residential streets that carry neighborhoods to a major thoroughfare.
Today’s cancellation of all Indianapolis/Marion County schools meant fewer buses and cars on the city streets which allowed the city to maintain its snow removal efforts. DPW snow crews will continue working in 12-hour shifts throughout the duration of the storm and beyond.
DPW would like to remind citizens the following:
· Due to the expected snow accumulation, citizens are advised to use caution on the roadways. Drive as the road conditions dictate and be on the look-out for slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses.
· During snow storm conditions, snow plows are considered and should be treated as an emergency vehicle; and;
· Plan alternate routes to help prevent traffic jams and to allow snow crews to clear major thoroughfares.
DPW encourages residents to visit the city’s snow web page at www.IndyGov.org/Snow. This website provides information on city road conditions; state, local and national weather; and an interactive application designed to help residents and visitors decide upon their routes before traveling during snowy weather by showing which streets are priorities during any given snow fight.
The Department of Public Works prepares year round to handle the onslaught of winter weather that will affect over 6,900 lane miles under its jurisdiction.
Reporter’s Note: DPW is only responsible for snow removal on city streets. For snow removal information on the interstates in Indianapolis/Marion County, please contact Will Wingfield with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) at (317) 233-4676.
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