Snow&Ice

Crews treat roadways around the clock...

The Transportation Cabinet has an arsenal of snow and ice equipment across the state – including more than 1,000 snow plows. State crews are supplemented by contract crews, and together they work to keep roadways in the best possible condition during winter weather.

In District 9 alone, more than 100 crew members are involved today with snow removal operations. Crews will rotate and work around the clock until the storm passes.

Motorists also are reminded to give a wide berth to plows, salt trucks and other snow-clearing heavy equipment. To be effective in dispersing de-icing material, trucks tend to travel at a slower speed. A snow plow may create a snow cloud which can cause a white out or zero visibility condition, so keep a safe distance away from the trucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we return to normal driving, if roads look clear?
You should still drive with caution – slow down and watch for hazards! Crews could be out cutting fallen trees that are not blocking the entire roadway. Debris could also be near roadway travel lanes.

What about roads that have not yet been cleared?
For safety reasons and to prevent further power outages, highway crews are coordinating with utility companies before completely clearing those roads. It will take some time, but be assured all roads will be cleared as soon as safely possible.

If a traffic signal is out or flashing, what do I do?
Intersections with traffic lights completely out should be treated as four-way stops. If lights are flashing yellow, proceed with caution. If lights flashing red, stop until there's a gap in traffic.

Is there still a danger of ice or black ice?
Yes. Even if daytime temperatures are above 32 degrees, overnight temperatures could drop below that and freeze water or snowmelt on roadways.

Highway District Nine Crews Prepared
For 2008 Snow And Ice Season!

FRANKFORT , Ky. — Cold weather means the winter travel season is here. And the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is making sure driving conditions are as safe as possible.

“Safety will always be our main concern, and many times we face our greatest tests during the winter months,” Transportation Secretary Joe Prather said. “When winter weather hits, whether it's in the middle of the night, on a weekend or a holiday, our dedicated personnel answer the call. We are extremely fortunate to have a team so devoted to serving others.”

Maintenance crews in all 120 counties are prepared to work as long as it takes and as often as required to keep the roads in the best possible condition during winter weather. KYTC has 320,000 tons of salt – including nearly 20,000 tons in Highway District Nine, which covers Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties. The cabinet will use approximately 1,000 state-owned trucks and more than 330 contract snow and ice trucks to keep the roads clear.

Road condition reports for major routes in Kentucky are available by calling 511 or by visiting the 511 travel and traffic information web site at http://511.ky.gov . Conditions are described in the following manner:

KYTC strives to provide the most descriptive and up-to-date information for motorists so they will know what to expect prior to a trip. Drivers are also reminded that bridges and overpasses are typically the most treacherous under wintry conditions. Motorists should always use extra caution when traveling during inclement weather.

“Crashes that occur on wet or slick roads are usually the result of a failure to maintain control, excessive speed, or following other vehicles too closely,” said Chuck Geveden, executive director of the Office of Highway Safety. “We urge all motorists to buckle up, drive cautiously and be alert every time you venture out, especially if you have to drive in less than ideal weather conditions.”