State Highway Crews Prepped for Snow and Ice Season, Kentuckians Reminded To Do Same
New de-icing mixture and weather cameras for condition monitoring will help keep roads safe
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear joined Transportation Cabinet officials and state police today to provide an update on response efforts following Kentucky’s first significant snowfall of the season and to highlight ways Kentuckians can stay safe this winter season. Snowplow and salt truck operators prepped for months ahead and remain geared up to keep traffic moving and Kentuckians safe across nearly 28,000 miles of state highways when snow and ice falls.
“Team Kentucky is taking the necessary steps to keep travelers safe this winter season, and we ask Kentuckians to do the same” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Choices behind the wheel, like slowing down, giving snowplows plenty of room to work, and staying home when conditions are rough, can make all the difference.”
With salt domes filled in every county and more than 1,500 plow trucks on deck, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) staff, crew members and contractors across much of Kentucky began pretreating roads yesterday and have since been clearing and plowing state-maintained highways where needed. New this year are roadway weather cameras and a low-temperature de-icing additive that offer more real-time insights for both safety and traffic flow.
“From the first flurries to the harshest storms, our team is on high alert to act when and, where needed, to maintain critical access for Kentuckians,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “New cameras and road clearing materials are giving us both real-time visibility and new options to be more equipped than ever before to keep Kentuckians and crews safer.”
To strengthen statewide preparedness, Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) cameras, visible on KYTC’s GoKY.ky.gov map, capture roadway images and weather data in real time. The compact, solar-powered devices are installed on existing infrastructure, such as light poles and traffic signals, to help officials monitor pavement conditions and make road-clearing decisions. Forty-three of 50 cameras have already been installed. The technology helps crews track storms, assess conditions in hard-to-reach areas, and make data-informed decisions for treatment, maintenance and emergency response. It’s also a resource for motorists, who should check GoKY.ky.gov for weather conditions rather than calling 911.
Materials like the new de-icing agent, an agricultural byproduct containing a small percentage of desugared beet juice, will be mixed with salt to increase its effectiveness when temperatures drop below 25 degrees – the threshold at which brine is not recommended. Pavement temperatures during today’s event remained above the threshold. The additive is safe for the environment and vehicles. Transportation supplies also include 258,000 tons of salt, more than 1 million gallons of brine (salt/water mixture) to pre-treat roads, and more than 1 million gallons of calcium chloride (added to salt).
During routine snow and ice events, crews operate using snow and ice priority route maps to maximize equipment and material usage efficiency. Additionally, the cabinet has a snow emergency plan for severe winter storm events to deploy resources within each county to cover the highest priority routes.
Team Kentucky maintains most roads, streets and bridges that are part of the state highway system, including interstates, parkways and U.S. routes.
Annual “Paint the Plow” Participants
KYTC launched its third statewide Paint the Plow program this year, which was open to all Kentucky high schools. Forty schools across the state participated, each painting a plow blade from their local Department of Highways district office – a creative reminder that everyone plays a role in roadway safety.
“As you’re out on the road this winter, you may notice some of our plow blades showcasing creative designs and safe-driving messages,” said Secretary Gray. “This year’s Paint the Plow participants displayed tremendous talent and school spirit. Their artwork adds a touch of color and community pride to the hard work our snow fighters perform across the commonwealth.”
Driver Tips This Winter Season
Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase.
“Every driver plays a part in keeping Kentucky’s roads safe when winter weather moves in,” said Trooper Bryan Washer of the Kentucky State Police. “Give plows and first responders the space they need, slow down, stay alert, and remember that getting to your destination safely is far more important than getting there fast.”
Motorists should prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
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Prepare your vehicle, making sure everything is in working condition.
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Plan your travel by checking weather, traffic and road conditions before you leave at GoKY.ky.gov.
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Prevent crashes by slowing down, giving space and driving alert.
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Pack an emergency car kit to stay safe if stranded.
Visit snowky.ky.gov for more tips and other snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates.
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Editor’s Note: Click the link for b-roll footage of KYTC crews in action and 2025 Paint the Plow participants. Photos from today's snow and ice event will be available later this afternoon. https://kytc.cimediacloud.com/r/EJ3qeD9fr9og
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