DAVIESS COUNTY Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Heavy rains earlier this week have caused INDOT to close State Road 257 south and State Road 358 due to water on the roadways.
Jason Tiller, communications director for INDOT southwest, said with more rain expected later this week, it could be a while before these and other low-lying roads re-open.
Daviess County Sheriff Gary Allison noted they have been lucky not to receive any calls for people trapped in water.
“Signs are out on the roads either saying ‘closed’ or ‘high water,’” Allison said. “And so far people have been avoiding those roads.”
Scott Myers, director for Daviess County Emergency Management Services said they will be monitoring the White River levels to see when it recedes. He said after that, INDOT will step in to assess the roads before opening them back up for traffic.
“Our crews do the inspection to make sure their’s no pavement missing, or there’s no major cracks or any damage to the roadways,” Tiller said. “It’s pretty quick once the flood waters recede.”
Tiller said once the road passes inspection, all they have to do is remove signs and update their social media to let people know the route is back open.
Tiller and Daviess County officials want to remind drivers that any water on the roadway can be dangerous.
“Water can be very misleading. It may not look deep,” Tiller said. “But underneath, the road may have washed away. The best thing you can do is turn around and find another, dry road to travel on.”
