2/12/2007
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: Monday, February 12, 2007 –11:35 a.m.
City crews preparing for massive snow accumulation
INDIANAPOLIS – In anticipation of the snow expected in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area through Tuesday evening, up to 12 inches as forecasted by various weather agencies and media outlets, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) will dispatch 82 snow plow trucks today to pre-salt the city streets prior to the snow accumulation.
Because the snow will be accumulating in the late evening, early morning hours, DPW crews will focus their efforts on the major inbound thoroughfares. 25 trash trucks will be retrofitted with snow plows to assist with the snow removal effort. Therefore, recycling and trash collection may be suspended Tuesday. Should that happen, collection will occur one day later than usual for the remainder of the week. Trash and recycling normally collected on Tuesday will be completed Wednesday, and so on, with Friday routes completed Saturday, February 17, weather permitting.
The private contractors are on standby and, when called to action, will add approximately 100 additional pieces of snow removal equipment to the city’s arsenal. Private contractors are responsible for clearing residential “feeder” streets – the main residential streets that carry a neighborhood to a major thoroughfare.
DPW would like to remind citizens the following:
· Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary;
· During snow storm conditions, snow plows are considered and should be treated as an emergency vehicle;
· Plan alternate routes to help prevent traffic jams and to allow snow crews to clear major inbound thoroughfares; and
· Exercise caution, drive as the road conditions dictate and be on the look-out for slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Residents and visitors are encouraged 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 users 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 and state routes in Indianapolis/Marion County, please contact Will Wingfield with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) at (317) 233-4676.
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