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INDOT shows off two-lane machine that’ll plow I-465 this winter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – This winter, a two-lane plow truck will hit Indianapolis. To get drivers prepared, the Indianapolis Department of Transportation (INDOT) gave 24-Hour News 8 a look at how they work Friday.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence named this week winter preparedness week. Although, with 70’s in the forecast, Hoosiers had other things on their minds which may have included hitting the golf course, or finishing a Fishers signal art project.

“This weather is fantastic,” Fishers artist, Jacque Hammonds said. “I couldn’t ask for better weather in November.”

But things will change soon. This is why INDOT showed 24-Hour News 8 its tow-plow. It’s a device that swings out and plows and treats two lanes at once.

“We’ve had tow-plows, mostly in Northern Indiana since 2009,” INDOT spokesperson, Nathan Riggs said. “We’ve been increasing those numbers and this year we’ll have about 22 throughout the state.”

On Friday, hitting the streets was easy for INDOT employees. But they know it’ll change when motorist see snow.

“Just give us our room,” INDOT driver, Kenny Amos said. “Give us space. We’re out here trying to make it safer for you, you know.”

It’s a message INDOT hopes neighbors will hear, even though, it may be hard to reach when the forecast calls for shorts and t-shirts.

“It is difficult to get people to think about something that probably doesn’t pertain to them today,” Riggs said. It’ll hit Hoosiers eventually, because they won’t be able to paint in short sleeves for long.

“I know it’s coming, and I wish I could say I was looking forward to it but I’m really enjoying the nice warm weather,” Hammonds said.

While INDOT now has 22 tow-plows, it’s still a fraction of its total force. This winter, more than a 1,000 plows will hit the roads to clear snow.

If you’re interested in winter weather advice, or to sign-up for INDOT alerts, click here.