Travel Watch in Effect Following Record Snowfall: Expect Major Commute Delays

Travel Advisory Downgraded to 'Watch' Status

Following a weekend that brought more than 11 inches of snowfall and dangerous sub-zero temperatures to Central Indiana, Indianapolis remains under a high-level travel advisory this morning. While Mayor Joe Hogsett downgraded the county's status from a 'Travel Warning' to a 'Travel Watch' at midnight, officials emphasize that road conditions are still far from ideal. Under a Travel Watch, only essential travel—such as commuting to work or responding to emergencies—is recommended. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as slick spots and hard-packed snow persist across the metro area.

Current Road Conditions and DPW Operations

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) continues to operate in 12-hour shifts to clear primary and secondary thoroughfares. Despite these efforts, the extreme cold has limited the effectiveness of salt, leading to icy patches on major arteries including I-465, I-65, and Meridian Street. Commuters should prepare for significantly longer drive times and avoid unnecessary lane changes. Motorists are also advised to watch for abandoned vehicles that may still be blocking shoulders following the weekend’s historic storm.

Public Transport and IndyGo Alerts

IndyGo is reporting significant service impacts this Tuesday. Due to the lingering effects of the winter storm, riders should expect service gaps and delays of up to several hours on some routes. If you must use public transit today, officials recommend using the myStop app for real-time tracking rather than relying on printed schedules.

• Route 90 (Red Line): A detour remains in effect near Fountain Square due to ongoing utility work, with the Pleasant Run and Raymond Street stations currently closed.
• Routes 90 and 92: 18th Street is closed for approximately two weeks, causing these routes to detour and temporarily closing the IU Health Station.
• Blue Line Construction: Partial lane closures continue on Washington Street between Belmont Avenue and Harding Street.
• Fare Reminder: As of January 1, 2026, the new base fare for fixed-route service is $2.75.

Ongoing Infrastructure Projects and Restrictions

In addition to weather-related hazards, several long-term construction projects are impacting local traffic flow. On the northeast side, a width restriction of 12 feet is in place for the ramp from eastbound I-465 to Binford Boulevard. Work also continues on the White River Innovation District infrastructure near the former GM Stamping Plant, which may cause intermittent delays on the west side of downtown near the new Henry Street bridge site. Commuters using US 31 should also be aware of permanent weight restrictions on the ramps connecting to I-465.