Tuesday night many state roads in Indiana were difficult for drivers.  INDOT reports as of 8:30 p.m. Central Time/9:30 p.m. Eastern time all of the 170+ plows in The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) LaPorte District are on the roads. Due to the heavy snow falling at a rate to 1-2 inches per hour, district-wide we are seeing slick, snow-covered roads. In addition blowing and drifting snow is adding to the difficult driving conditions on nearly all state roads.
To the west, INDOT snow plows are being aided by the Hoosier Helpers Roadside Assistance drivers who are working 12 hour shifts, allowing some additional Hoosier Helpers vehicles to join in plowing shoulders and ramps. Interstates I-94 and I-65 are slick and snow-covered in places.
Much of Porter, LaPorte, Starke, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Pulaski Counties are experiencing lots of blowing and drifting snow with slick spots developing. Two crews are working to clear the U.S. 20 Bypass through salting and plowing. At this time the northbound lanes of the U.S. 20 Bypass remain closed north of SR 23 due to a semi accident. (Bypass reopened at 10pm)
To the south, a semi accident has closed all northbound lanes of I-65 at the 205 mile marker in Jasper County. Traffic is being diverted at the scene and allowed back on I-65 beyond the crash. I-65 has received special attention from INDOT plows since the storm began, but it remains slick. Elsewhere in the southern part of the district, the Winamac, Rensselaer, Monticello, and Logansport areas are reporting excessive blowing and drifting snow. As with the rest of the district, nearly all state roads are snow-covered and slick.
INDOT says plow drivers are working to make state highways as safe as possible, but winter driving safety is a partnership where motorists play an equally important role. Drivers must slow down, brake early, and exercise safe winter driving skills while giving our plows plenty of room to work.
For updated INDOT road conditions online log on to www.trafficwise.in.go v or check out INDOT Northwest on our social media outlets: Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest and Twitter.com/INDOTNorthwest.
###