Indy Snow Force ready for winter

The city of Indianapolis is ready for whatever winter brings to the streets. The Department of Public Works says preparations are well underway for the snow season and crews have been training for weeks. 

City leaders highlighted this year’s plan at a new salt barn on the near north side. 

DPW Spokesman Ben Easley said the new structure is one of a dozen locations where Indy Snow Force drivers can pick up de-icer material.

“It is covered from rain, it's got all those environmental protections in place and it allows our crews closer access to downtown,” Easley said.

About 2,300 tons of salt is stored in the new barn. The city uses a total of 21,000 tons a year.

In recent years the city has invested in new equipment and added workforce to repair roads.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said DPW crews work after snow events to continue road repairs.

“Work throughout the course of the winter, trying to patch and repair the roads as they occur. I mean look, it’s Indiana, so some road deterioration is going to be inevitable,” Hogsett said.

The Climate Prediction Center has forecasted this year’s season to be wetter than normal in Indiana.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.