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District 8 road crews ready for snow and ice duty

Salt trucks, plows ready

By: Amber Hale

SOMERSET, Ky. (March 4, 2015) - Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 highway crews are prepared to respond to another round of winter weather set to impact the area this afternoon and last into the day Thursday.

After a winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow in our area two weeks ago, crews have spent the last few days checking fluid levels on their equipment, refueling trucks and changing plow blades. Some crews have been hauling salt to replenish their supplies.

A winter storm warning has been issued with a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain to heavy snow this afternoon through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service said snowfall could be heavy at times with some areas getting a foot or more.


Melting snow from the most recent storm, combined with heavy rains today and more snow and freezing temperatures tonight, create the potential for emergencies such as flooding, slides, rock falls, downed trees and ice, among others. Drivers are urged to be alert to changing road conditions as this storm continues.

Heavy rains also preclude pre-treatment of roadways. KYTC crews typically use a brine solution, a salt and water mix, to coat roadways prior to a snowfall. But brine washes away in rain.

KYTC District 8 staff is currently monitoring weather conditions and road crews will be ready to treat state highways when precipitation starts to fall.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 8 is responsible for maintaining approximately 5,258 lanes miles throughout Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell and Wayne counties. When winter precipitation starts to fall, road crews focus on interstates, parkways and other high volume roadways first. Secondary and rural roads will be salted and plowed once the main routes have been cleared. To view the priority network for snow removal, go to http://transportation.ky.gov/Maintenance/Pages/Snow-and-Ice-Priority-Maps.aspx.

If traveling, motorists should take it slow, wear seat belts, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and use caution on bridges, exit ramps and shaded valleys as those areas are often more prone to icing.

Road condition updates are available by calling 511 or by logging onto the 511 traffic and travel information website, 511.ky.gov. You can also get traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.

Road conditions are described as follows:
  • Wet pavement - Ice could form as temperatures drop.
  • Partly covered - Markings may be obscured by snow, slush or ice.
  • Mostly covered by snow, slush or ice.
  • Completely covered by snow, slush or ice.
  • Impassable - Conditions unsuitable for all but emergency travel.

The cabinet's SAFE Patrol is available to assist motorists whose vehicles become disabled on Kentucky interstates and parkways. For SAFE Patrol assistance, call 511 or toll-free at 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982).


This story was posted on 2015-03-04 19:03:34
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