KYTC Crews Prepared to Battle Snow

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) road crews in the Louisville area are prepared for the snow that is predicted to fall across the region on Thursday morning.  Maintenance personnel have been watching the forecast and getting their trucks ready. State and contract crews will report to duty in advance of the winter storm.  Trucks will be dispatched to their routes and stand ready to treat the roadways when precipitation starts to fall.

District 5 personnel have the responsibility for clearing more than 2,400 miles of state-maintained highways in the counties of Bullitt, Franklin, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble.  Crews are prepared to work long hours clearing any accumulation from the roadways. 156 state and contract trucks are utilized to treat the roadways in these eight counties with 70 of these trucks concentrated on the interstates in Jefferson County.  Per an agreement with Louisville Metro government, the Metro Department of Public Works will be clearing snow and ice from all state routes in Jefferson County, excluding interstates.

The District 5 facilities combined have approximately 36,000 tons of salt and 140,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride on hand to combat snow and ice this winter.

Motorists should always use extra caution when driving in winter weather and remember that bridges and overpasses typically freeze before surface-level roadways.

Motorists should remember these tips while driving in snow and ice:

• Make sure your vehicle is sufficiently winterized – check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, defroster, wipers and windshield washer.
• Dress warmly for the weather –in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, in anticipation of unexpected emergencies.
• Try to keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent fuel line freezing and to prepare for possible lengthy delays on the roadway.
• Make sure a friend or relative is aware of your travel route.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency care kit. It should include jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, blankets, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, and traction material.
• Check the forecast and call 511 or visit 511.ky.gov for the latest condition reports before traveling. Avoid nonessential travel if conditions are dangerous.
• Drive carefully. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Do not use cruise control.
• Remember that bridges and exit and entrance ramps can be icy when other areas are not.
• Stopping in snow requires more braking distance than stopping on dry pavement – up to four times more distance. Make sure to put plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead.
• Be visible. 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.
• During significant winter weather events, the KYTC will provide media outlets with updated road condition reports throughout the day and night.

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 Kentucky SAFE Patrol – Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies – operates seven days a week on Kentucky interstates and parkways. SAFE Patrol drivers are equipped with blankets, shovels, reflective cones, auto fluids and other equipment to get motorists back on the road safely. Motorists can request SAFE Patrol by calling 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982).

For up-to-date traffic and travel information, inside Kentucky dial 511 and outside Kentucky call toll free at 1-866-737-3767.  Information can also be obtained by logging onto www.511.ky.gov.

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