Kentucky highway technicians have stockpiled salt, prepped snowplows, and completed winter weather training as they prepared to take on this winter weather season. The Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 maintains over 2,000 miles of state roads in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliot, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, and Rowan Counties.
The anticipated winter weather is currently being monitored by supervisory teams who will call for snowplows and salt trucks as they are needed.
Allen Blair is the Public Information Officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. He said during snowstorms, it can take a while to get the roads completely clear.
“We want people to understand that you know, even though we have all of our crews out there fighting the snow, it’s going to take a while before the roadways are clear. So just take it slow. If you have to be out, then make sure you leave early to get to your destination safely,” said Blair.
Crews will work in 12-hour shifts to plow and treat state highways with over 75 snowplows and thousands of pounds of salt. Blair added for safety reasons, people who find themselves on the road with a snowplow should not follow it too closely.
“Give them plenty of room, don’t crowd the plow and don’t pass, especially on the right as they are plowing snow on the highways,” said Blair.
Officials ask Kentucky drivers to take a few extra precautions this winter season to help keep roadways safe. Pay attention to weather advisories, travel only when necessary, during major snow events, eliminate distractions while driving, and stock vehicles with an ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, flashlights, a cell phone charger, and a first aid kit.
Kentuckians can visit the Kentucky Transportation website for information on snow-fighting status updates, winter driving tips, and videos on the snow removal process.