NORTHWEST INDIANA — Drivers across INDOT’s entire northwest district are expected to continue to encounter slick conditions on the roads through the evening today, Monday, Dec. 28.

Widespread freezing rain and sleet blanketed all 13 counties in the district since early this morning. INDOT has 170 plow/salt crews on the roads right now in northwest Indiana but these conditions are exceptionally tricky. Salt, sand and other materials can help melt the ice and increase traction but the wintry mix is washing de-icing materials off the road, requiring repeated applications.

INDOT crews planned well in advance of the storm by watching multiple statewide and local forecasts, pre-treating roadways with de-icing materials late last night and patrolling and watching road sensors before the first precipitation froze. Dozens of INDOT plow/salt crews hit the road late last night and have been working throughout the morning hours.

Here are a few tips to remember when driving in difficult conditions:

• Drive with caution. Reduce your speed when snow or ice is present on roads, allowing three times the normal following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Always clear your entire windshield along with the other windows of snow and ice.
• Only change lanes when it is absolutely necessary.
• When snow and ice are present, drivers should not expect to travel the speed limit. Reduce your speed and drive according to the conditions.

Stay informed:

INDOT’s northwest district Facebook and Twitter pages keep folks updated anywhere in the state on changing road conditions, snow plow progress, crashes and more. “Like” them for the latest updates, pictures and video via Facebook or Twitter.

Motorists can learn about highway work zones and other traffic alerts online or via phone at (800) 261-7623 or 511 from a mobile phone.

Subscribe to receive text and email alerts about INDOT projects here.