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Department of Highways, District 5
Clearing a Path Through Snow & Ice
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 10, 2006) – The Transportation Cabinet District 5 Department of Highways road crews are prepared to clear a path through snow and ice. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for parts of Kentucky effective later today and tomorrow. District 5 maintenance crews will be reporting for duty later this evening in preparation for the overnight precipitation.
Across the commonwealth, the Transportation Cabinet has an arsenal of nearly 1,000 snowplows and more than 200 additional pieces of equipment to combat snow and ice. In addition, the cabinet has more than 200 contractors who help to clear state highways during winter weather. The state salt supply stands at nearly 252,000 tons. More than 27,000 road miles are maintained by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Snow and ice removal plans were put into place earlier this week in advance of the approaching winter storm. Motorists should be on the lookout for crews out pre-treating on Interstates 64, 65 and 264 in Jefferson County. The pre-treatment of "salt-brine" helps to melt snow and ice from the roadway. The salt-water type treatment also combats snow and ice buildup on driving surfaces.
District 5 personnel have the responsibility for clearing more than 2,800 miles of state-maintained highways in the counties of Bullitt, Franklin, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble. Maintenance crews in each county are prepared to work as long as it takes to ensure the roads are in the best condition possible during this winter event.
Condition reports on major routes are available by calling 511 or logging onto the 511 travel and traffic information website at 511.ky.gov. Road conditions are described in the following manner:
Wet Pavement – The roadway is wet. Ice could form as temperatures drop.
Partly Covered – The roadway is partly covered with snow, slush or ice. Markings may be obscured.
Mostly Covered – The roadway is mostly covered with snow, slush or ice. Roadway markers may be difficult to see because of packed snow and rutting conditions.
Completely Covered – The roadway is completely covered with snow, slush or ice and markings are obscured.
Impassable – Roadway conditions are not suitable for travel unless required by an emergency.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, through the 511 service strives to provide the most descriptive and up-to-date information for motorists so they know what to expect when they get out on the road. Drivers are also reminded that bridges and overpasses are typically the most treacherous. Motorists should use extreme caution when traveling in winter weather.
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