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Action Plan:
DPW monitors various types of weather information to determine the need for preventative action against winter weather. Based on the forecast, DPW crews are put on alert and schedules are set. DPW also uses several "anti-icing" practices to help prevent the ice and snow from freezing on the pavement. These include the use of 'clear lane,' a salt treated with magnesium chloride.
Snow Routes:
The city has more than 375 predetermined snow routes that are assigned by priority as described below. The level of intensity and the duration of the storm dictates the frequency with which the routes are plowed and treated. In the most severe storms, some of the lower priority routes will receive less attention until the weather eases up.
Primary Snow Routes: It is the city's intention to do everything possible to ensure that a system of top priority routes (primary snow routes) remains open and passable at all times. These routes are considered a priority because they provide a vital link for our police, fire, and emergency rescue services and are used as common routes for commuting to work or school.
If snow is predicted to fall during morning or evening rush hour, crews will focus on 'shock' routes, which are major thoroughfares in to and out of downtown Indianapolis.
Secondary Snow Routes: Secondary routes are those streets considered major thoroughfares but not necessarily primary snow routes. These streets may be given attention once the primary snow routes have been addressed.
Residential Streets: The city has 150 residential snow zones. In times of heavy or severe conditions, the city has a plan to clear residential streets that will be implemented with private contractors as time and resources allow.
For up-to-date information on road conditions during a winter storm, visit our Operations Center update site. For other questions or concerns, please contact the Mayor's Action Center online or call (317) 327-4MAC for assistance. | 
