FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): INDOT is making the preparations for winter. Today hosted a open house for the media, to highlight ways they are ramping up for snow and ice.

Spokesperson Toni Mayo says getting ready its a year around process.

They've been stocking up on salt since the spring and they've been making sure they have replacement parts, blades, even windshield fluid to keep trucks running and drivers on the road.



While it may seem a little early, Mayo says, its not. There's been snow as early as Halloween.



Some interesting facts from INDOT



Northeast (NE) Indiana Fort Wayne District Facts:

· 17 counties within the NE District

· 4,800 lanes miles

· Allen County has 830 lane miles (combined state routes, US interstate)

o Lane mile: An area of pavement one mile long and one lane wide, example: a segment of road that is one mile long and four lanes is four lane miles.

· 163 snow plow trucks

· 141 snow routes

· INDOT garages with 24-hour coverage

· Drivers and mechanics work up to 12 – 16 hour shifts 24/7

· Salt cost in 2013-2014 $53/Ton. Cost in 2014-2015 to $102- $105/Ton.

· 19 Salt barns throughout the NE District



Winter of 2013-2014:

· One of the toughest winters on the books- it was extremely hard on INDOT’s resources and labor force.

· 1.7 million service miles covered

· Total winter operations budget- $10.25 million on salt, equipment, over-time and diesel