INDIANA – The Indiana Department of Transportation is continuing to prepare for the winter season with a training exercise in its Southwest and Southeast District on Monday, Dec. 2.
The Seymour District is responsible for maintaining 4,675 lane miles of state roads, 755 lane miles of interstate, 1,910 large culverts, 943 state bridges, 163 snow routes, 355 traffic signals, 187 flashers, 52,094 road signs, and 1,424-panel signs. Within the Southeast District, there are five sub-districts (Aurora, Bloomington, Columbus, Falls City, and Madison) and 20 counties (Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Dearborn, Decatur, Floyd, Franklin, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Owen, Ripley, Scott, Switzerland, and Washington).
The Vincennes District is responsible for maintaining 4,425 lane miles of state roads, 784 lane miles of interstate, 1,849 large culverts, 20,000 small culverts, 1,085 state bridges, 142 snow routes, 260 traffic signals, 186 flashers, 57,000 road signs, and 1,310-panel signs. Within the Southwest District, there are five sub-districts (Evansville, Linton, Paoli, Tell City, and Vincennes) and 17 counties (Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, and Warrick).
Policy and Procedures
Starting Monday morning, motorists can expect to see INDOT’s fleet of more than 150 yellow trucks on state-maintained highways and interstates to test equipment and familiarize themselves with assigned routes.
“This is an opportunity for our new drivers to get on-the-road training and for more experienced drivers to share their knowledge,” said INDOT Winter Operations Manager Nick Evans. “We will treat this exercise as an actual winter weather event from start to finish. We aim to ensure crews and their trucks are ready when snow and ice arrives.”
Winter operations crews will be active between 10 a.m. EST/9 a.m. CST and 1 p.m. EST/noon CST. No materials such as salt or brine will be applied during the exercise.
“It’s incredibly important that we take the time to adequately prepare our crews, equipment, and materials for the winter season,” Evans said. “This will help our winter operations run safely and efficiently as we clear ice and snow in the coming months.”
For safe winter travel, INDOT offers the following tips:
- Slow down and adjust travel to conditions, especially on snow-covered roads.
- Don’t crowd the plow – never tailgate or drive beside a snowplow, as the driver’s visibility may be limited. If you must pass, do so carefully.
- Be prepared in case of a crash or becoming stranded; always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like food, water, a phone charger, sand or cat litter, flares or bright LED alternatives, a flashlight, and blankets.
- Keep your vehicle full of gas, and check your battery, fluids, and spare tire.
- Stay weather aware by connecting with your local National Weather Service office.
Motorists can stay informed about road conditions during a winter storm by checking INDOT’s TrafficWise map at 511in.org or downloading the mobile app on Apple or Android devices. Other ways to stay connected include subscribing to INDOT News and following INDOT on social media for regional information and additional resources.
Roadway concerns may be reported to INDOT Customer Service online at indot4u.com or by phone at 855-INDOT4U (463-6848). Learn more about INDOT Winter Operations at indotwinterops.com.
