Slick roads hamper morning commute

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Many commuters ran into slick roads and slow traffic during the morning rush Thursday.

About half an inch of snow fell in areas of Central Indiana overnight. Some of it has melted and frozen again, making icy and slick spots that caused alot of trouble for drivers and emergency officials Thursday morning.

The south side of Indianapolis was the hardest hit with numerous slideoffs reported along Interstate 65, I-465 and US 37.

Traffic was also slow-moving on I-465 on the southwest side between the airport and I-65 south.

IMPD were called out to many accidents along US 37 at Southport.

On the northeast side along I-69 near Noblesville, a semi slipped off the road and jack-knifed. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department said the driver is okay, but there is no word yet on how the driver lost control of the semi.

Police are reporting numerous slideoffs in Morgan, Johnson, Bartholomew, Monroe and Putnam counties.

According to Ashley Hungate with INDOT, about 40 salt trucks have been on the roads since midnight. She says the trucks will stay on the road as long as they are needed.

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From the Indianapolis District of the Indiana State Police, which includes Marion, Shelby, Johnson and Boone Counties:

• Interstates are patchy snow/ice covered and slick with high winds.
• U.S. and State highways are patchy snow/ice covered and slick with high winds.
• Secondary roads (county roads) are patchy snow/ice covered and slick with high winds.

Troopers have been busy investigating crashes and slide-offs. Motorists are cautioned that there may be lane restrictions at various locations, and should be prepared for sudden speed reductions or stops.

Troopers are currently working numerous property damage crashes and slide-offs on I-65 northbound and southbound from the south split to south of Franklin. Other problem areas are I-70 east of I-465 on the east side and I-74 southeast of I-465. Motorists will encounter backed up traffic and delays until the vehicles are removed.

We need to leave our phone lines open for emergency calls. Citizens can access road and weather information by going to our website at: www.in.gov/isp or by calling the Indiana State Police Road and Weather Line at 1-800-261-7623.

Motorists please use the following cautions when driving:

• Clear all windows, head/tail lamps of snow and ice.
• Turn headlights on, even in the daylight hours.
• Reduce speed
• Be aware of sudden stops
• Keep distance between vehicles
• Hang up cell phones, and drive with caution
• Move over, slow down when approaching emergency vehicles