ISP declares parts of Interstates 65, 80 & 94 impassable

Indiana state police issued the news release below. You can find the original version online here.

State of Emergency for Areas of Interstate I-65 and I-80/94 – Portions of Interstate Closed

Northern Indiana – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana State Police have mutually determined the following interstates are impassable the result of the ongoing winter snow storm:

• I-65 north and southbound from State Road 26 (172 mile marker) to U.S. 30 (253 mile marker); and
• I-80/94 east and westbound from U.S. 421 (34 mile marker) to the Illinois State Line (0 mile marker)

This action has been taken in the interest of public safety to preserve life and property. Based on this joint assessment, the Indiana State Police, with assistance from the Indiana National Guard, are assisting stranded motorists. Motorists forced to abandon their vehicle will be transported to places of shelter.

Once closed, persons that choose to ignore the notice and attempt to travel on the affected portions of the interstate do so at their own risk. Deliberate disregard of this notice places the motorist and all occupants of the vehicle at risk of serious injury or death. It also jeopardizes the safety of public safety personnel who engage in rescue efforts of stranded motorists.

With portions of the interstate closed, INDOT resources will be able to take aggressive action to clear entry and exit ramps as well as the main line of the interstate. It is not possible to estimate when the interstate will be reopened, as it will be weather and condition dependent. It is reasonable to expect the interstate will not reopen the rest of January 5th. Updates on the status of the closed portions of the interstate system will be made starting the morning of January 6, 2014. Citizens should tune to local media for future updates.

People living in the affected areas are urged to stay home and avoid travel unless there is a life threatening emergency that necessitates travel. Indiana residents residing in areas around and south of the affected closed interstate should postpone travel plans to the affected areas as local roads are also in poor condition.

Instructions:

Do not travel on designated portions of I-65 and I-80/94 that have been closed the result of the winter storm

Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Headquarters – Statewide
100 N Senate Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 317-232-8250