2/6/2007
Media Contact:
Margie Smith-Simmons,
317/327-4669 |
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Snow Update: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 – 3:20 p.m.
Snow rapidly accumulating; city expected to receive 5-6 inches
Indianapolis – Updated forecasts show that the city is expected to receive five to six inches with the heaviest accumulation falling by 6 p.m.
This morning at 10 a.m., the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) dispatched 77 snow plow trucks to salt the city streets in anticipation of the snow. As snow began to accumulate, the trucks lowered their blades shortly before 1 p.m.
The private contractors have been called to action and will add approximately 100 additional pieces of snow removal equipment to the city’s arsenal. Private contractors will begin navigating the streets by 4 p.m. and will focus their efforts on residential streets where the city’s snow trucks cannot safely maneuver.
At 5 p.m., 20 trash trucks will be retrofitted with snow plows to assist with the snow removal effort.
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.
DPW would like remind commuters the following:
· Stay at work and leave at their normal appointed hour to help prevent traffic jams and to allow snow crews to clear major outbound thoroughfares;
· Plan alternate routes;
· Exercise caution, drive as the road conditions dictate and be on the look-out for slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses; and
During snow storm conditions, snow plows are considered and should be treated as an emergency vehicle.
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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