As of 10:30 p.m. Tuesday the snowstorm which dumped 10 inches or more of snow on Northwest Indiana had moved out of the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) LaPorte District.

State roads were improving but hard-pack snow along with blowing and drifting snow were creating a challenge for plow/salt truck drivers, INDOT said late this morning. All of the district’s 170-plus plows remained on the roads. Many state roads were in fair condition, but a good number in more rural areas were still in difficult condition.

To the west, Intestates were “cleaning up nicely,” with most of I-94 and I-65 clear with wet pavement. But drivers were still being urged to reduce their speed due to the high traffic volumes. Also in the Lake, Porter, and Jasper County areas many of the previously cleared east/west state roads are covering again due to blowing and drifting snow.

Conditions on all state roads were expected “to dramatically improve by the evening commute hours,” INDOT said.

But slick spots will likely remain throughout as plows battle re-icing, and hard pack ice and snow

“INDOT plow/salt trucks will remain in full call-out mode until all state roads are clear, but it takes time and multiple passes by plows for each stretch of road in conditions like these,” INDOT said.

“Drivers should expect to slow down and plan extra time to get to their destination.”

Posted 3/6/2013