How Indianapolis Public Works intends to deal with snow and slick roadways

Indianapolis, Indiana – Dealing with slick roads and heavy snowfall is something that many drivers dislike the most about the winter season.

In order to help the Indy Snow Force team get ready for the approaching winter season, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works conducted a practice snow fight on Tuesday.

According to Public Works, receiving this training is a “critical part” of being ready for the erratic weather. Public Works public information officer Corey Ohlenkamp spoke about the department’s strategies for battling the impact of winter on the city’s roadways.

According to Ohlenkamp, Public Works cleans around 4,000 kilometers of major roads, side streets, and even ramps that are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act throughout Marion County. He says there are more than 19,000 tons of salt and more than 80 snowplows available to make the roads safer.

When more winter weather moves into the forecast, Indy Snow Force teams will begin pretreating roads.

When ice and snow do fall, workers will clear busy city streets, emergency service routes, and high-traffic areas first. Keystone Avenue, Washington Street, Fall Creek Parkway, and other roads are among them.

Plows clear minor streets after that. Roads such as Southeastern Avenue, Mitthoeffer Road, and Ditch Road that link residential neighborhoods to major streets are categorized as minor streets by Public Works.

During winter storms, Ohlenkamp says Public Works staff may plow city thoroughfares about every three hours. Till there is exposed pavement, they keep plow and salt the streets together.