KYTC Readies Snow Plow Drivers Ahead Of Winter Storm

Rain, sleet or snow, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 has its crews ready to treat roads in northern Kentucky.

(Covington, Ky.) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 snow and ice removal crews are watching and waiting to see how this next system develops in the Northern Kentucky area. 

Last weekend D 6 Snowfighters spent long hours clearing interstates and state roads, using over 12,000 tons of salt and plows to do so.  This past workweek was spent replenishing salt supplies and cleaning up equipment to prepare for the next snow event. 

Once District 6 has a better understanding of the next system, crews will be called in ahead of its arrival to mobilize ahead of the storm. 

If you must travel, motorists should remember – When it snows, take it slow.  Leave early to allow more time to reach your destination. 

Forecast from the National Weather Service:  https://www.weather.gov/lmk/weatherstory

Maintenance crews in KYTC District 6 have responsibility for clearing over 2,000 miles of state-maintained highways in the counties of Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton and Robertson. That equates to 4,670   “lane miles” – all driving lanes from rural state roads to interstate highways.  District 6 state maintenance crews are prepared to work to keep roads in the best possible condition during winter weather.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has a webpage just for snow and ice information. The public can visit http://snowky.ky.gov to learn more about priority routes, access helpful winter weather tips and fact sheets and view informational videos on salt application and snow removal.

District 6 starts out with 31,350 tons of salt each winter season stored in the domes located at the state maintenance facilities.  We currently have 23,000 tons on hand.  There are 133 trucks available district wide to treat state highways and interstates. 

In the Northern Kentucky counties of Boone, Kenton and Campbell, District 6 is responsible for 1,868 lane miles of roadway. Crews have stockpiled 16,500 tons of salt and over 26,000 gallons of brine for de-icing in the three counties. Seventy-three trucks are available for snow and ice removal – three of which will concentrate on the six-mile section of I-75 between Buttermilk Pike and the Brent Spence Bridge that includes the “Cut in the Hill.”

Every snowstorm is different and presents unique challenges, such as air temperature, pavement temperature, timing of snowfall and ice. Last year, 2017 – 2018, District 6 crews used 43,764 tons of salt, 50,887 gallons of salt brine and 58,163 gallons of liquid chloride for snow and ice events. In all, District 6 spent $7.2 million on equipment, materials and labor.

Kentucky has a Quick Clearance Law (KRS 189.580) meaning –

If you are involved in a crash:

• if no one is visibly injured, move your vehicle to the shoulder or off of the interstate or parkway
• call the police
• exchange information with the other party

If you have a disabled vehicle:

• move your vehicle off the roadway if possible
• turn on emergency flashers
• to request aid --- tie something white or bright to your antenna or window or raise the hood
• if  you are unable to move your vehicle from the roadway --- stand away from the vehicle
• keep your arms and legs moving to stay warm

You are an important part!  Safety is a shared responsibility!  Safe travel begins with YOU!

Be prepared:

The following measures will help keep motorists safe and prepared:

• Put yourself in emergency mode
• Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level
• Travel only as necessary during major snow events. It’s better to be stuck at home than to be stuck on the road
• Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment
• Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder
• Allow time for a slower commute
• Winterize vehicles
• Supply vehicles with blankets, flash light and an emergency supply kit
• Know before you go. Visit goky.ky.gov and download the free Waze app to check traffic conditions before you travel
• Eliminate distractions (e.g. operating phone and eating) while driving
• 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

To remain informed during snow and ice season and throughout the year, visit http://transportation.ky.gov/district-6/Pages/default.aspx and follow KYTCDistrict6 on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KYTC.District6 and on our Twitter page at https://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict6.

 If you don’t do your job, you can inhibit our capability to do ours.