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Department of Highways, District 5
Highway Department prepares for winter weather in Jefferson County, other counties in District 5
LOUISVILLE, KY – (November 14, 2005) – Temperatures in the 70’s over the last few weeks may not put you in a winter state of mind, but for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, our cooling weather is signaling a change of seasons is just around the corner. That’s why personnel in the Department of Highways District 5 are getting ready for the busy snow and ice removal season in Jefferson County and the other seven counties which make up the district.
The Transportation Cabinet officials held a press conference today at Louisville Underground, the location of their emergency salt reserve. Officials explained local and statewide preparations for winter weather.
"Our mission to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for Kentucky drivers gets tested during the winter," said Jim Adams, Deputy Secretary of the Transportation Cabinet. "Our highway crews stand ready to keep the over 27,000 miles of state-maintained highways clear of snow and ice."
In Jefferson County, the state is responsible for 1200 single lane miles of roadway. District 5 crews maintain 700 of these miles with the remainder being maintained through contracted efforts with the Louisville Metro Public Works Department.
"When the temperatures start to decline, motorists begin to think about inclement weather," said Barry Sanders, chief district engineer for District 5. "Within the Department of Highways, we begin thinking about snow and ice removal as early as July. During summer months our maintenance facilities begin ordering salt to stockpile for the coming winter."
Priority routes for snow and ice removal have already been identified. Crew members are currently busy stocking snow-melting chemicals at various locations throughout the district and checking equipment to make sure it will work properly when needed. District 5 personnel are also laying in an ample supply of the special cold-weather asphalt that will be required to patch potholes that develop as a result of freezing and thawing.
In addition, the Transportation Cabinet urges motorists to protect themselves when driving by buckling their seatbelt and using child safety seats properly. When following a snow plow, be patient and give the plow room to work.
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. To view maps of the district priority routes, log on to www.transportation.ky.gov/d5. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for conditions of major roads throughout the state.
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