State ‘Snowfighters’ in Northeast Kentucky Ready for 2023-2024 Winter Weather Season
Snow plows prepped, salt and other ice-busting materials stocked
FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2023) – State snowfighters have a message for Mother Nature as the season’s first wintry weather approaches northeast Kentucky – they’re ready!
Highway technicians in Kentucky Department of Highways District 9, who maintain more than 2,000 miles of state roads in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties, have stockpiled salt, prepped snow plows, and completed winter weather training.
“Snow removal is a top priority of the Transportation Cabinet, and we have a team of professionals ready to tackle that job when the first flakes fly,” said Steve Gunnell, chief district engineer. “They have the right equipment, the right resources, and are always prepared to keep traffic moving on Kentucky’s roadways.”
The right equipment includes more than 75 snow plows, brine application tankers, and other snow-fighting machines. And, the right resources include tens of thousands of tons of salt, brine, and other ice-busting materials stockpiled in each of the district’s 10 counties.
Weather-watching supervisory teams are now on duty monitoring weather, and will call out snow plow and salt truck crews as needed throughout Kentucky’s fall, winter, and early spring snow season.
When major snowstorms hit, crews will be assigned 12-hour shifts to plow and treat state highways based on a four-tier priority system – part of the Transportation Cabinet’s mission to keep traffic moving in a safe manner with an emphasis on maintaining mobility along critical corridors.
Interstates and parkways receive the top-tier priority for snow and ice removal, followed closely by Priority A routes that include heavily traveled state roads and those connecting hospitals or other critical services. Priority B and C routes include other important, but lesser-traveled state routes.
The Cabinet’s snow and ice information website, SnowKY.ky.gov, provides priority route maps for each county as well as an interactive map portal. Residents are encouraged to look up the priority status of their local state routes to know what to expect during a winter weather event.
Also on the SnowKY website, the public can access information such as snowfighting status updates, winter driving tips, fact sheets, and videos on the snow removal process. Or, link to the state’s interactive traffic system at GoKY.ky.gov to find out what’s happening in each county.
Statewide, Transportation Cabinet crews start the season with 340,000 tons of salt, over 1 million gallons of brine for anti-icing efforts, and 1.1 million gallons of calcium chloride, an additive to salt for deicing.
More than 1,400 plow trucks are on deck and more than 2,000 staff and crew members are trained and prepped to keep travelers moving.
PUBLIC PREPARATION
While state supplies and staff are equipped for this winter season, drivers are reminded to join the effort to keep roadways safe:
- When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you drive. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in adverse weather conditions, so break early and slowly.
- Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice – a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
- Travel only as necessary during major snow events. It’s better to be stranded at home than on the road.
- Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment.
- Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
- Allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
- Winterize vehicles. Have your car battery, tire pressure and brakes checked. Make sure your heater, defroster, headlights, and windshield wipers are working properly.
- Stock vehicles with ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, flashlight, cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and first aid kit.
- Eliminate distractions while driving (e.g. using phone and eating).
- Cooperate with the expectations of the Quick Clearance law, which requires drivers to move vehicles to the shoulder in the event of a non-injury crash.
- Join the conversation this snow and ice season. Use #snowky, #kywx, #kytc
- And, know before you go! Download the free Waze app or visit GoKY.ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel. Follow Transportation Cabinet operations in northeast Kentucky on social media @KYTCDistrict 9.
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