Highway department on alert for winter weather operations

 

Crews standing by in all District Nine counties

FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. – Snow plow drivers and contractors are standing by as a developing winter storm threatens to blanket northeast Kentucky with snow and sleet.

The Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 plans to station crews in each county – Bath, Boyd, Carter, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan – by midnight, so they’re ready to go when snow hits the roadways.

“We are keeping a close eye on what could be a significant event,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather. “We will focus every possible resource on keeping roadways as clear as possible. We ask that motorists stay alert to changing weather and road conditions, make travel decisions accordingly and exercise great caution around snow plows and other heavy road-clearing equipment.”

National Weather Service forecasts call for 3 to 7 inches of snow and sleet across much of the region through Tuesday.

Wintry weather could make driving conditions hazardous. Motorists are reminded to drive with caution as bridges and overpasses can freeze before roadways, to please share the road with KYTC equipment, and to always buckle up and Drive Smart.

Winter Driving Tips

Drive carefully. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Do not use cruise control. Remember that bridges, overpasses and exit and entrance ramps can be icy when other areas are not.

Leave a “space cushion.” Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you

because stopping in snow may require up to four times your normal stopping distance.

Be seen. Dull, cloudy days will cut down on visibility so drive using low-beam headlights.

Steer into the skid. Stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.

Highway crews in District Nine are responsible for treating more than 2,000 miles of roadways with snow plows in every county, more than 100 operators, nearly 20,000 tons of salt, and tens of thousands of gallons of salt brine and liquid calcium.

For more information, including snow and ice treatment maps, forecast links and driving tips, please visit District 9's web site at http://www.transportation.ky.gov/d9/snow.htm.

Snow, snow, snow

Transportation crews treating roadways in northeast Kentucky

Motorists should use caution while traveling

FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. — Transportation Cabinet crews throughout northeast Kentucky are treating roadways this morning as snow continues to fall across much of the region.

As of 4:30 a.m., trucks were out plowing roadways and spreading salt in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties in Department of Highways District 9 where up to an inch of snow has partly covered roadways, making them slick. Crews in Elliott County were spot treating roadways.

Crews expect to remain out today, monitoring and treating roadways as necessary. National Weather Service forecasts call for scattered snow showers this morning, and a winter storm warning tonight through Tuesday with 2- to 4-inches of snow and sleet possible.

Wintry weather could make driving conditions hazardous. Motorists should watch for slick spots on roadways, and remain aware that bridges and overpasses can freeze before roadways.

For more information, including snow and ice treatment maps, please visit District 9's web site at http://www.transportation.ky.gov/d9/snow.htm.

Statewide, the latest road and weather conditions are available online at 511.ky.gov or by dialing 511.