INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis City-County Council finalized a new snow removal plan on Monday night.
In a post on X, the council confirmed that its members adopted Proposal No. 69, which is designed to change the Indianapolis Department of Public Works’ approach to snow removal.
The final version of the proposal mandated that Indy DPW plow third-priority streets when four or more inches of snow have accumulated on the ground. Previous reporting indicates that, before Proposal No. 69 was adopted, Indy DPW did not have a set standard to use to determine when third-priority streets needed to be plowed.
Even under the City of Indianapolis’ new plan, third-priority streets will not be the first to be plowed during winter storms. Indy DPW will start with first and second-priority streets before moving to third-priority streets.
The City of Indianapolis defines first-priority streets as major thoroughfares, collector roads and streets abutting hospitals and fire stations. Second priority streets, according to the City of Indianapolis, are roads abutting schools, township trustees offices and township small claims courts.
Roads that do not fall into the first or second-priority categories are considered third-priority streets. Before Proposal No. 69 was adopted, third-priority streets were plowed at Indy DPW’s discretion, which sometimes meant third-priority roads were not plowed at all.
The City of Indianapolis and Indy DPW’s snow removal strategy was heavily criticized in January. The public outcry led city officials to reevaluate their snow removal plan.
In February, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced that the City was going to plow residential streets when four or more inches of snow accumulated on the ground. Hogsett indicated that the 4-inch standard for plowing would remain in place until the end of the current snow season.
Proposal No. 69 made the mayor’s temporary change more permanent. The legislation also includes provisions that can allow the director of Indy DPW to send crews to third-priority streets that don’t meet the four-inch benchmark.
If the condition of third-priority streets rapidly deteriorates before four inches of snow have fallen, the director of Indy DPW can send crews to those locations. If significant warming is expected immediately after four inches of snow have fallen, the director of Indy DPW may also forego sending plows to third-priority streets.
Proposal No. 69 also changes the standards that Indy DPW will use for plowing second-priority streets. Under the new rules, Indy DPW will begin plowing second-priority streets once two inches of snow have accumulated on the ground. Previously, Indy DPW was not required to plow second-priority streets until six inches of snow had fallen.
The new legislation also alters the way Indianapolis snow removal policy will be shaped in the future. Proposal No. 69 requires Indy DPW to present all snow removal policies it is considering to the Board of Public Works. Policy changes must be presented to the Board of Public Works at least 60 days before they are implemented.
The Indianapolis City-County Council posted a breakdown of Proposal No. 69 and its benefits here.
In a press release, Republican members of the City-County Council touted Proposal No. 69 and the improvements it will make to the City of Indianapolis’ snow removal policies.
“This is a significant win for Indianapolis residents,” said Michael-Paul Hart, Minority Leader of the Indianapolis City-County Council. “Republicans in the Council recognized the need for a more proactive and smart approach to snow removal — one that keeps our streets safe while being mindful of financial impacts on local communities and HOAs.”
Councilors Josh Bain and Derek Cahill also issued the following statements:
“These updates mean safer streets, quicker response times, and a smarter approach to managing winter weather. I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to make this happen.”
Councilor Josh Bain
“This is about common sense and making sure Indianapolis residents aren’t unable to access needs and services during snowstorms. The Republican Caucus stepped up to deliver real solutions for our city.”
Councilor Derek Cahill
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