Kentucky transportation crews prepare for snow and ice season
New de-icing mixture and weather cameras for condition monitoring will help keep roads safe
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and the Kentucky State Police are providing an update on response efforts to snowfall in the state.
According to a release Tuesday by KYTC, snowplow and salt truck operators prepped for months ahead and remain ready to keep traffic moving across nearly 28,000 miles of state highways when snow and ice hits.
“Team Kentucky is taking the necessary steps to keep travelers safe this winter season, and we ask Kentuckians to do the same,” Beshear said. “Choices behind the wheel, like slowing down, giving snowplows plenty of room to work, and staying home when conditions are rough, can make all the difference.”
According to KYTC, crew members and contractors across much of the state began pretreating roads Monday and have since been clearing and plowing state-maintained highways where needed.
Transportation officials say new features this year are roadway weather cameras and a low-temperature de-icing additive.
“From the first flurries to the harshest storms, our team is on high alert to act when and, where needed, to maintain critical access for Kentuckians,” KYTC secretary Jim Gray said. “New cameras and road clearing materials are giving us both real-time visibility and new options to be more equipped than ever before to keep Kentuckians and crews safer.”
In addition, KYTC says to strengthen statewide preparedness, these solar-powered Roadway Weather Information System cameras, which are visible here, capture road images and weather data in real time.
Forty-three of 50 cameras have already been installed, officials say.
In addition, transportation officials say a new de-icing agent will be mixed with salt to increase its effectiveness when temperatures drop below 25 degrees, a threshold at which brine is not recommended.
Pavement temperatures during Tuesday’s weather event remained above the threshold, transportation officials say.
During routine snow and ice events, officials say crews use snow and ice priority route maps to maximize equipment and material usage efficiency. In addition, the cabinet says it has a snow emergency plan for severe winter storm events to deploy resources in each county to cover the highest priority routes.
Annual “Paint the Plow” Participants
KYTC launched its third statewide Paint the Plow program this year, which was open to all Kentucky high schools. Forty schools across the state participated, each painting a plow blade from their local Department of Highways district office – a creative reminder that everyone plays a role in roadway safety.
“As you’re out on the road this winter, you may notice some of our plow blades showcasing creative designs and safe-driving messages,” Gray said. “This year’s Paint the Plow participants displayed tremendous talent and school spirit. Their artwork adds a touch of color and community pride to the hard work our snow fighters perform across the Commonwealth.”
Driver Tips This Winter Season
Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase.
“Every driver plays a part in keeping Kentucky’s roads safe when winter weather moves in,” said trooper Bryan Washer of the Kentucky State Police. “Give plows and first responders the space they need, slow down, stay alert, and remember that getting to your destination safely is far more important than getting there fast.”
Motorists should prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
- Prepare your vehicle, making sure everything is in working condition.
- Plan your travel by checking weather, traffic and road conditions before you leave at GoKY.ky.gov.
- Prevent crashes by slowing down, giving space and driving alert.
- Pack an emergency car kit to stay safe if stranded.
Visit snowky.ky.gov for more tips and other snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates.
