‘Warning’ travel advisory ends but caution is advised

Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress talks to the media about Operation Columbus Day at the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Department this morning. Photo by Mike Wolanin | The Republic

5:15 p.m. update:

Bartholomew County Emergency Management has downgraded the county’s travel status to a Watch Level.  Crews have been working on clearing roadways throughout the day, however slick spots will remain and snow cover is still present due to the cold temperatures, said Shannan Hinton, emergency management director. Temperatures will not get above freezing before mid-morning on Tuesday.

Motorists are advised to use caution and allow extra time and stopping distance when traveling.

A travel advisory watch:

  • Means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a “watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

For more on this story, check back here or pick up a Monday Republic.

3:30 p.m. update:

Bartholomew County Emergency Management has issued a wind chill advisory from 6 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday.

Wind chills as low as 20 below zero are expected in portions of central, east central, north central and west central Indiana. Temperatures like this could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

2:30 p.m. update: Road crews continue to work throughout Bartholomew County and Indiana State Police are in the process of removing vehicles that slid off I-65 last night. Sgt. Stephen Wheeles said troopers are working in the southbound lanes of I-65 about eight miles south of Columbus to remove the vehicles.

Indiana State Police work at the 59.5 mile marker of I-65 in the southbound lanes to move vehicles that slid off the interstate last night and early this morning. Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, Indiana State Police spokesman, said the right lane of the interstate is mostly clear at this location but the left lane is slushy and slick.
Indiana State Police work at the 59.5 mile marker of I-65 in the southbound lanes to move vehicles that slid off the interstate last night and early this morning. Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, Indiana State Police spokesman, said the right lane of the interstate is mostly clear at this location but the left lane is slushy and slick.

 

Noon update: Although the winter travel advisory prohibiting travel for anyone other than emergency vehicles continues, some motorists are venturing out, and some are getting stuck.

Indiana State Trooper Matt Holley helped push a minivan out of the exit of a doctor’s office on Goeller Road at about 11:30 a.m. — the lot had not been plowed and the van became stuck in about 6 to 8 inches of snow at the exit.

Some main roads have been plowed, but many have a coating of snow with ice underneath.

Most have only glimpses of pavement in one lane, and some of that has black ice.

A view of the eastbound lane of Jonathan Moore Pike heading toward downtown Columbus. Most roads are snow and ice covered and a travel advisory warning is in effect banning travel except for emergency vehicles. Photo by Julie McClure | The Republic
A view of the eastbound lane of Jonathan Moore Pike heading toward downtown Columbus. Most roads are snow and ice covered and a travel advisory warning is in effect banning travel except for emergency vehicles. Photo by Julie McClure | The Republic

Many secondary streets and parking lots have not been plowed, causing some drivers to get stuck before even getting to the street.

For more on traffic conditions, check back here or pick up a Monday Republic.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Bartholomew County Emergency Management is leaving Bartholomew County’s travel status at a warning level until 5 p.m. today.

A warning advisory means traffic on roadways is restricted to emergency personnel only.

Shannan Hinton, emergency management director, said keeping the status at a warning level assists crews with clearing roadways faster as they do not have to deal with unnecessary travel and additional slide offs that cannot be towed at this time.

Hinton said main roadways are in decent shape in most areas but secondary roads have still not been cleared in all areas.

Even after road crews clear the roadways, a layer of ice and snow remain leaving the roads leaving them very slick, Hinton said. This is due to the cold temperatures and which will continue through Monday, she said.

For more on this story, check back here or pick up up a Monday Republic.