INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works is extending driver shifts amid wintry weather and NBA All-Star Weekend that's attracted thousands to Indianapolis.
Indy DPW reported 60 drivers began pre-treating roadways across Marion County as of 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16 for the snow event.
Indy DPW currently has crews treating and clearing roadways across Marion County and downtown, with a shift change of drivers occurring at 11 p.m. tonight, the department said in a statement.
Right now, officials with Indy DPW are expecting the heaviest snow to be between 2 p.m.-5 p.m. with the potential for refreezing overnight.
According to the meteorologist Sean Ash, we're expecting a widespread 2"-3" accumulation with areas of 4"+ possible, especially where any thundersnow occurs. Snow tapers from north-to-south between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The department also said representatives with Indy DPW, the Indiana Department of Transportation and NBA All-Star organizers have been in close coordination with regard to the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities downtown. Officials are expecting a high volume of both foot and vehicle traffic through the downtown area Friday through Sunday.
Additional crews are working to make sure high traffic zones like Georgia Street are addressed and ready for those going to events.
Attendees for Friday's All-Star events should check out this guide, which includes maps, parking and updated road closures.
Drivers should follow best practices when traveling in winter weather:
- Staying informed: Before leaving home, find out about the road conditions. Drivers need to know the weather and their limits. Follow the National Weather Service (NWS) and Live Doppler 13 Radar to help you stay on top of the latest conditions and forecasts.
- Time and space: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. Drivers often aren’t prepared for rapid change in road conditions. Remember to drive below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars. Always watch out for pedestrians.
Officials are also encouraging downtown businesses to pretreat their sidewalks, remove snow this afternoon, and plan on additional treatments early Saturday and throughout the weekend. The Downtown Indy Clean Team is also out helping to keep sidewalks clear in high-traffic areas.
Residents can stay up to date on Indy Snow Force efforts during winter weather events online at indy.gov/snow and on Twitter by following @IndySnowForce and @IndyDPW. The Indy Snow Force Viewer will also be used throughout the season, showing where roads along standard routes have been recently plowed or treated with salt during a snow event.