State highway crews in Kentucky are preparing for the snow and ice season, with new measures introduced to ensure road safety. Governor Andy Beshear, alongside Transportation Cabinet officials and state police, provided an update on the state’s response to the first significant snowfall of the season. They also offered advice for residents on how to stay safe during winter.
Operators of snowplows and salt trucks have been preparing for months to keep traffic moving across nearly 28,000 miles of state highways. “Team Kentucky is taking the necessary steps to keep travelers safe this winter season, and we ask Kentuckians to do the same,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. He emphasized the importance of cautious driving, such as slowing down and giving snowplows space.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has filled salt domes in every county and deployed over 1,500 plow trucks. New technologies include roadway weather cameras and a low-temperature de-icing additive that provide real-time insights for safety and traffic flow. KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said, “From the first flurries to the harshest storms, our team is on high alert.”
To enhance preparedness, Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) cameras have been installed across the state. These devices capture images and weather data in real time, aiding officials in monitoring pavement conditions. The technology helps track storms and assess conditions in hard-to-reach areas.
A new de-icing agent made from an agricultural byproduct mixed with salt will be used when temperatures drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This additive is environmentally friendly and safe for vehicles.
Transportation supplies include 258,000 tons of salt, over 1 million gallons of brine for pre-treating roads, and more than 1 million gallons of calcium chloride added to salt. Crews use priority route maps during routine events to maximize efficiency.
The annual “Paint the Plow” program involved forty schools painting plow blades with creative designs promoting roadway safety. Secretary Gray praised participants for their talent and school spirit.
Trooper Bryan Washer from the Kentucky State Police reminded drivers that safe roadways are a shared responsibility: “Every driver plays a part in keeping Kentucky’s roads safe when winter weather moves in.” Motorists are advised to prepare their vehicles, plan travel by checking conditions at GoKY.ky.gov, prevent crashes by slowing down, and pack emergency kits.
For more information on snow resources or priority route maps, visit snowky.ky.gov.
Photos from today’s event will be available later – https://kytc.cimediacloud.com/r/EJ3qeD9fr9og
Information from this article can be found here.
