Sunshine and continual plowing has helped improve conditions along northeast Kentucky's main highways as state crews remain on 12-hour shifts battling the aftermath of an historic winter storm that piled a foot or more of snow across much of the state.
As of 4 :00p.m. on Tues., Feb. 17, highly-traveled Priority A routes - such as I-64, US 68, the AA Highway, US 23, US 60 - are reported as clear or partially covered and slushy with mainly wet pavement in most areas.
Secondary roads (Priority B and C) remain mostly covered with snow, but crews report that plowing and salting is beginning to break the snow cover there. Road and air temperatures are around 23 degrees.
With record snowfall in some areas of Kentucky and another snowstorm expected overnight, clearing all roads of snow could take several more days. In addition, near-zero or below-zero temperatures this week will cause re-freezing issues and render salt and other road-clearing chemicals nearly ineffective.
Motorists should expect slick conditions tonight and Wednesday, especially on secondary roads and even on previously-treated main roads. Motorists should also take it slow and watch for ice in valleys, around curves and other places where today's snowmelt could refreeze.
Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 crews in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties will remain on the road in salt and plow trucks, working 12-hour rotating shifts.
Kentucky traffic and travel information is available by dialing 511 or online at: http://www.511.ky.gov
(story provided by Kentucky Dept. of Transportation)