Jackson County rolls back travel restrictions to orange travel watch

Jackson County is the first area county to lower its travel restrictions, stepping back to an orange travel watch status.

Under a travel watch, conditions are said to be threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.

Jackson County emergency management officials said that the county only restrict travel when absolutely necessary. They said a “Red Travel Status impacts thousands of people, including hospital staff, essential workers, and local businesses.”

Jackson County Highway Department worked throughout the night and significantly improved road conditions, the said. Most roads have received treatment (salt or sand) and have been plowed at least once…Some remote areas are still requiring additional time to receive full coverage due to the travel distance for crews returning to the garage for additional materials.

Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jennings, Johnson and Shelby counties remain under a red travel warning. That means roads are restricted to emergency vehicles only. You are directed to refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

According to the Bartholomew County Emergency Management Department, county officials met this afternoon and decided to keep the county at the higher warning level. They will re-evaluate road conditions at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning.