Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance supervisors across the state are closely monitoring local weather forecasts and pavement sensors to deploy salt trucks before Christmas Eve rains transition to snow and wintry mix on state highways. Because this storm is leading off with rain, pre-treating roads and bridges must be done just before pavement temperatures fall below freezing and snow and ice begin to accumulate.

INDOT plow truck drivers will not take a holiday where needed during the Christmas travel weekend. INDOT will adjust its call out of manpower, trucks and materials as appropriate to address forecasted and observed road conditions. Trained INDOT employees are on call to staff plow trucks around the clock alternating 12 hours to 16 hour shifts.

INDOT urges Christmas travelers to monitor weather forecasts and schedule long trips either before or after the weather impacts road conditions. This will help save the extra time needed to slow down and drive according to the conditions. Know before you go by checking road conditions and traffic or weather alerts on INDOT’s TrafficWise service at http://indot.carsprogram.org, (800) 261-7623 or 511 on your mobile phone.

For social media updates, find the INDOT Facebook and Twitter pages for your regional district at: www.in.gov/indot/3074.htm.

Salt in stock

As of last week, INDOT has deployed nearly 26,000 tons of salt and 1.1 million gallons of salt brine thus far this winter.

Ongoing demand following last year’s record winter has increased salt prices an average of 57 percent across the state. INDOT continues to receive salt deliveries and has 264,000 tons on hand statewide, most of what would be needed during a typical winter. Prior to last winter, the five-year average for salt usage was roughly 291,000 tons.

New Plow Equipment

Drivers should watch for six new tow plows in use on multi-lane interstates, U.S. highways and state roads. Already used in northeast Indiana and 22 other states, a tow plow allows one plow truck and driver to clear two lanes at once.

Except when stocking up on salt or fuel, INDOT plans to use the six new tow plows on the four-lane state highways listed below. The equipment may be redeployed to other parts of the state as needed this winter.

• Interstate 74 between Indianapolis and Greensburg
• Interstate 469 and U.S. 24 northeast of Fort Wayne
• The new U.S. 31 freeway near Kokomo
• The State Road 67 Muncie Bypass
• U.S. 24 and State Road 25 Hoosier Heartland near Logansport

Drivers should not attempt to pass a tow plow if all lanes are blocked, but stay a safe distance and speed behind the plows. Road conditions are always better behind a plow at work than in front.