Kentucky Highway District 9 again preparing for Wintry Weather

Crews in Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 are preparing for another round of wintry weather expected overnight and Tuesday across northeast Kentucky.

National Weather Service forecasts vary, but between One inch and Six inches of snow could fall across the region.

Lesser amounts predicted south of Ashland and Morehead, and greater amounts predicted in Maysville and northwest portions of the district.

District road crews spent time today getting equipment ready and are pre-treating highways where feasible, depending on local temperatures and forecasts. Many crews will begin duty at midnight tonight.

The district combats snowstorms with 75 snow plows and more than 100 crew members who work around the clock clearing snow and ice from roadways. Ample stocks of brine — a saltwater mixture used in pretreatment — and other snow-melting chemicals, including 15,200 tons of salt, are stored in each county.

Keep up with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s snow removal efforts using the online Snow & Ice Treatment Map at http://kytcgis.ky.gov/snow_ice/. You may also follow Highway District 9 online at @kytcdistrict9, or search for the districts page on Facebook. In addition, Kentucky travel information is available by dialing 511 or visiting online at www.511.ky.gov.

Road conditions are described as follows:

Wet pavement – Ice could form as temperatures drop.

Partly covered – Markings may be obscured by snow, slush or ice.

Mostly covered – by snow, slush or ice. Completely covered by snow, slush or ice.

Impassable – Conditions unsuitable for all but, emergency travel.

Motorists should check local forecasts frequently, and always use extra caution and allow plenty of travel time when driving in wintry weather. Remember, bridges and overpasses typically freeze before surface-level roadways.

Find more information about the Department of Highways District 9 activities, as well as weather forecasts, online at http://transportation.ky.gov/d9

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