KYTC clearing roads, preparing for Friday

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FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. – Crews from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 9 in northeast Kentucky have been busy plowing snow and treating roadways with salt to combat snowfall across the region on Wednesday.

As of 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. road conditions range from partly to mostly snow covered, with air and pavement temperatures averaging about 24 degrees, according to Allen Blair, KYTC District 9 public information officer.

Blair said the storm has not gained much momentum in Greenup and Boyd counties.

“The storm is a slow-moving storm, so right now the conditions are a little bit better on the eastern side of our district, over near Greenup and Boyd counties,”Blair said. “Right now there is not much snow cover yet, but this storm is expected to last most of the day so we still expect to see snow cover through this evening.”

KYTC District 9 crews are currently working 12 hour shifts to ensure that the roadways are safe for motorists.

“Our crews are out on the roads right now. Our main concern and focus today is to get these roads clear so that we can regroup tomorrow and prepare the trucks and materials for Friday’s storm that is expected to be much worse than this,” he said.”We have a good start with the supply of salt, we have a lot of equipment. We are going to try to get everything situated tomorrow when the weather is better. We want to get these roads clear, so that we can be fresh and ready for what is expected to be a worse storm on Friday.”

He said the public should be aware that it takes a significant amount of time to clear all roadways.

“Even during a little storm like this, it takes a lot to get the roads clear. All of the roads are not going to be clear any time soon, so we encourage people maybe Friday, to make travel plans accordingly,” he said. “If you don’t have to be traveling, we recommend not to, and that will give us more room out there to get the roads clear. If you have to travel, then allocate some extra time to get there. Leave early, and drive slowly.”

During any winter weather event, motorists are reminded to utilize caution. If travel is necessary, slow down, buckle up and maintain a safe driving distance between vehicles to ensure maneuverability.

Though conditions are expected to improve as temperatures rise in the afternoon hours, the National Weather Service reports are predicting a possible a freezing rain mix, creating a potential for slick pavement through Wednesday evening.

During winter storm operations, Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 crews work 12-hour shifts using more than 22,000 tons of salt and 75 snow plows, salt spreaders and other equipment in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties to keep 2,000 miles of state highways passable.

Motorists are also reminded to give a wide berth to plows, salt trucks and other snow-clearing equipment. To be effective in dispersing de-icing material, trucks tend to travel at a slower speed.

Also, snow plows may create a snow cloud which can cause a white out or zero visibility condition, so keep a safe distance away from the trucks, according to Blair.

For more information regarding snow removal efforts, and view snow removal priority routes, by visiting District 9 online at http://bit.ly/D9Snow. Or, keep up to date on Twitter and Facebook at http://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict9 or http://facebook.com/KYTCDistrict9.

Kentucky traffic and travel information is available by dialing 511 or online at www.511.ky.gov. Find out where snow plows are operating at http://bit.ly/KYPlows.

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Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9 crews were out clearing roads after Wednesday’s snowfall began
http://portsmouth-dailytimes.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2016/01/web1_KYTC9.jpgKentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9 crews were out clearing roads after Wednesday’s snowfall began

By Portia Williams

[email protected]

Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.

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