The Indiana Department of Transportation said Tuesday it has dispatched crews to ensure roadways and bridges are safe for travel in anticipation of snowfall.
The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to use crews to pre-treat bridges and roadways with salt brine, an anti-icing solution, ahead of expected accumulation of snow in Northwest Indiana beginning Christmas night, according to a news release. INDOT plans to monitor forecasts and a statewide network of road and bridge pavement sensors to deploy the needed personnel, equipment and materials ahead of any predicted accumulation.
Mike Bardou, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville, Ill., said there is a small chance of snow in Northwest Indiana late Tuesday and early Wednesday.
Bardou said the probability of snow increases during the day Wednesday and wind gusts could reach 33 mph. He said accumulation in Lake and Porter counties is expected to be less than a half inch by the end of the day. He said motorists traveling on Interstate 65 on Wednesday likely will notice larger snowfall totals the farther south they travel.
More than a dozen INDOT plow truck drivers helped clear lake effect snow that fell overnight in the LaPorte and Gary areas. The state agency said motorists planning to travel should keep an eye on evolving weather forecasts and leave early to reach their intended destinations.
INDOT also recommends the following:
• Accelerate gradually on ice or snow to avoid slipping and sliding.
• Drive slowly and carefully to avoid rear-end collisions and sliding on curves.
• Allow greater distance behind the car ahead because it takes more time to stop on snow and ice.
• Brake early, break slowly, never slam on the brakes. If a vehicle has anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it and if not, gently pump the pedal.
• Don't use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Maintain good visibility, stay alert and use your headlights so others can see you.
• Give snowplows room to operate and don’t tailgate or try to pass them.
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