INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Thousands of miles Indianapolis roads are expected to be swept as part of a $2 million annual program.

Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Tuesday that the comprehensive street sweeping plan will be initiated beginning next spring by the city's Public Works department.

Downtown areas are expected to be swept every other day, while major thoroughfares will be swept every other month. Roadways within the city's combined sewer overflow areas will be swept twice per month.

The city says street sweeping is an integral part of long-term efforts to preserve pavement conditions on roads and that establishing a sweeping routine to remove debris can extend the life of pavement by several years.

Street sweeping also will help improve water quality by removing debris that otherwise might enter waterways through storm drains.