Indianapolis guarantees a win against snow at the Super Bowl in February, 2012.  

The snow in Dallas last year was an unwelcome surprise.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joined the Department of Public Works (DPW) Indy Snow Force team to announce further enhancements to the city’s snow removal program.  Meteorologists are predicting above average snowfall this season, and crews are prepared to respond.  This year’s improvements include an additional 6 new snow trucks to the Snow Force fleet, which will replace the oldest remaining vehicles in the snow fleet, including some from 1995.  

“Our Indy Snow Force fleet stands to clear city streets and keep residents safe during the harsh winter conditions we’re certain to face this season,” Mayor Greg Ballard said.  “Each year, we look for ways to deliver improved services to taxpayers. Since 2008, we’ve upgraded our City of Indianapolis snow fleet with newer, better equipment, resulting in better response time, less expensive maintenance costs, and most importantly – safer, snow-free streets for Marion County residents. The trend continues this year as we retire our most outdated pieces of equipment.”


This year is also much more complicated for DPW employees because of the Super Bowl  and the safety requirements mandated by the NFL.  For those that went to Super Bowl 45 in Dallas, the snow memories will not fade as they were not quite ready for the record snow. The new equipment in Indy will play an important role during the 2012 Super Bowl if there’s a snow or ice event. There is a much greater chance of getting snow than in Dallas and the Indy Snow Force is determined to be ready for the game.

DPW is also adding to its existing snow plan for the public safety of residents and visitors during the largest sporting event.  The plan will include additional support, if necessary, from private contractors and the Indiana Department of Transportation.  

Indy Snow Force plows more than 6,000 lane miles of city streets in an average snowfall.  More than 150 pieces of equipment, including 98 trucks, can be mobilized during these events.  In snowfalls of six inches or more, the city plows residential areas to assist in gaining access to and from their neighborhoods.  This adds an additional 4,000 lane miles of streets to the city’s already extensive work load.  The use of snow contractors allows the city to more than double the snow fleet at a moment’s notice for increased service.

In total, DPW has 97 units to deploy in a storm and 63 of those trucks are brand new to the fleet in just the past few years. Plow drivers candidly said they need all the help they can get.

Video from Indy Fox 59:

http://www.fox59.com/videogallery/66072922/News/City-prepares-for-w...