Transportation Cabinet
Highway crews work to clear snow and ice following winter storm

Motorists advised to use caution, check road conditions before travel

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2011) – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet highway crews have been out overnight and continue  efforts today to clear roadways of  snow and ice brought by a winter storm affecting all but a northern portion of the state.

Motorists are advised to check road conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel in areas where those conditions are adverse. Snowfall amounts exceeded forecasts, and plunging temperatures limit the effectiveness of salt treatments. Even as the weather cleared, crews remained hard at work because of the likelihood that frigid temperatures would create slick spots even on treated highways.

Western Kentucky was particularly hard hit. In Livingston County, ice formed on the Interstate 24 bridge over the Cumberland River; a crash at the bridge required traffic to be detoured.

Transportation Cabinet crews work as long as necessary to clear roadways of snow and ice. Statewide, Transportation Cabinet maintenance crews have a fleet of 1,065 snow plows and can call on more than 350 snow-removal contractors.

Motorists are advised to:
• Exercise greater caution when driving. Slow down!
• Give a wide berth to snow plows and other heavy highway equipment.
• Eliminate distractions while behind the wheel.
• Beware of ice as temperatures fall and roadways refreeze. A mechanical breakdown is especially  dangerous in bitter cold.
• Keep a blanket, flash light and emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
• Stay in the vehicle if you become stranded. Help will come.

Road conditions throughout the state can be found on the Transportation Cabinet website at www.511.ky.gov, by calling 511 in Kentucky or 1-866-737-3767 for out-of-state callers.  Links to weather updates, weather safety tips, including winter driving tips, can be found on the KYEM website at www.kyem.ky.gov.

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