KYTC highway crews report significant program on snow-fighting efforts

(KBSI) – Plenty of sunshine provided a big boost to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 highway crews as they continued efforts to improve driving conditions across the 12-county region on Tuesday.

Crews spent Tuesday, January 16 concentrating on “B” and “C” Snow Priority Routes that are generally less-traveled than “A” routes, such as Interstates, Parkways and other 4-lane highways.

The sunshine helped to amp up salt and other ice-fighting chemicals that crews have spread since cold and snow rolled through the region starting Sunday, according to Keith Todd with KYTC.

Although driving conditions greatly improved, drivers should be aware of the potential for slick spots on rural secondary highways – particularly in hilly areas and wooded areas where road surfaces do not get as much direct sunshine.

While interstates and parkways may be clear and allow normal traffic flow, drivers are warned to be aware of icy spots from snowmelt runoff. Use extra caution when slowing on exit ramps which may not be as clear as driving lanes and can have icy spots from melted snow.

KYTC District 1 crews plan to ramp down snow-fighting activities around dark, based on conditions on a county-by-county basis. Roads in counties that got the least snowfall are generally in better condition than those that received higher accumulations.

The KYTC District 1 Snow & Ice Team is already preparing for a chance of snow and winter mix that could arrive on Thursday.

KYTC District 1 has about 200 employees involved in snow response efforts with 115 snow plows, five tow-plows, and 17 contract plows to cover 2,850 miles of highway in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties. The district includes almost 70 miles of Interstate 24 and 73 miles of I-69 and the Purchase Parkway.

Statewide, more than 1,400 plow trucks are on deck with more than 2,000 staff and crew members trained and prepped to keep travelers moving.

Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates.

Travel info can be found at GoKY.KY.Gov.