Transportation Crews Mobilizing to Combat Snow

Armed with 75 snow plows and more than 14,000 tons of salt, Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 crew members are ready for snow and ice duty. The National Weather Service expects a winter storm to impact travel across the northeast Kentucky region tonight and Saturday.

Snow accumulations could range from a trace or an inch along the Ohio River to several inches farther south. “Our snow response teams mobilized early this week to keep track of this storm,” said Bart Bryant, chief district engineer. “And, it’s slow-moving nature has allowed time for advance preparations.”

For example, crews applied nearly Thirty-Eight thousand gallons of brine to highways throughout Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties. Brine, a salt solution, adheres to pavement and begins working immediately to melt snow when a storm first hits.

In addition, crews took time to check snow plows and make sure other equipment is working properly.

“As they do during every winter storm, our crew members are prepared to ensure state highways remain clear of snow and ice,” Bryant said.

You can keep up with snow removal efforts this weekend by following District 9 online at http://twitter.com/kytcdistrict9. To keep up with snow plows statewide, use KYTC’s online Snow & Ice Treatment Map at http://kytcgis.ky.gov/snow_ice/.

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.

During any type of winter weather, motorists should drive carefully and watch for ice – particularly as temperatures are expected to fall into the teens this weekend. And remember that bridges and overpasses typically freeze before surface-level roadways.

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

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