Indiana State Police Troopers assigned to the Lowell District have been busy all morning with multiple calls for slide offs and crashes due to blowing snow and icy conditions. At this time, there have been only minor injuries reported in some of these crashes.
Police say the majority of the crashes earlier this morning was in northern Lake County on I-80 from the Illinois State Line to I-65; as the snow shifted and fell it migrated east on I-80 between Ripley Street and State Road 249 (Portage exit) into Porter County. LaPorte County on I-94 was also impacted for a short time period.
Traffic back-ups continue on I-80 from Ripley Street in Lake Station west into Illinois and eastbound on the Borman Expressway from Illinois to I-65. Traffic on I-65 is backed-up on the northbound side from 61st Avenue to the ramp to I-80 westbound.
Among the challenges of the ever-shifting snow squalls --as the roadways are being cleared of snow and crashes in one area the snow shifts to a new area.
Indiana State Police say the majority of the crashes and slide-offs appeared to have been caused by driving too fast for conditions and driver’s who “forget” how to drive in the snow. Police urge all Region motorists to give yourself plenty of time to get to where you’re going today, give yourself plenty of distance between vehicles and to slow down.
For up to date Road and Weather Conditions, please call 1-800-261-7623, or visit INDOT’s web site at TrafficWise.IN.gov . PLEASE DO NOT CALL your local, City, County or State Police for road conditions as phone lines need to stay open for emergency calls.
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