Northern Indiana road crews prepare for first snowfall of the season
INDOT and the Indiana Toll Road are readying crews and equipment, while state police urge drivers to prepare their vehicles
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - With WNDU’s First Alert Weather Team predicting the season’s first snowfall later this week, road crews across northern Indiana are preparing their equipment and supplies for winter weather.
Gov. Mike Braun has declared Nov. 8-14 Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. Officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and the Indiana Toll Road say preparations are underway to keep drivers and road workers safe when snow arrives.
INDOT has stocked around 3,500 tons of salt for the winter season and is inspecting its trucks, plows and other equipment. Crews are also training drivers, including those with years of experience.
“We do vehicle inspections, so we inspect all of our trucks and all of our plows, all of that equipment to make sure that it’s ready to go for winter,” said Cassandra Bajek, public relations director for INDOT’s Northwest District.
The training includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice with equipment. Bajek said the district has more than 300 plow drivers.
Toll Road prepares snow fleet
The Indiana Toll Road is also getting its crews and equipment ready. Chief Operating Officer Rick Fedder said the Toll Road is replacing its entire snow fleet and is about halfway through the process.
The Toll Road has 42 snow trucks, more than 50 snowplow operators, 10 salt facilities and five maintenance facilities, Fedder said.
State police urge drivers to prepare
Indiana State Police Sgt. Ted Bohner said drivers should use the clear weather to think about whether their vehicles are ready for winter.
“Think about an emergency kit for your car. Prepare for that worst day and hope it never comes,” Bohner said.
Officials also encourage drivers to give snowplows plenty of space and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snow.
Weather updates are available on the First Alert Weather app.
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