MADISONVILLE, Ky. — Current weather reports indicate the possibility of 2 – 4 inches of snow for the KYTC District 2 area. In anticipation of inclement weather, crews have begun the process of pre-treating the highways with brine throughout the 11 counties that make up District 2.
The brine dries to a fine powder coating of salt that sticks to the road surface and is available to be activated by falling snow in the early hours of a snow and ice event. Pre-treating initially improves driving conditions, then makes it easier for crews to plow snow by keeping frozen precipitation from bonding to the driving surface.
Motorists should be alert for slow-moving trucks on the road spraying brine on A, B, and C routes. Crews focus first on high-priority routes such as interstates and critical roadways, then heavily-traveled state routes before turning to lower-volume routes. Snow priority maps for each county can be viewed online.
The weather models are shaping up to reflect hazardous driving conditions that could be in play beginning Thursday. Motorists are reminded to adjust their driving behavior to meet localized weather conditions as the snow and ice develops.
Motorists are advised to monitor the weather forecast via area news media outlets or go to: https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah/
The KYTC District 2 snow & ice team will continue to monitor this weather system and will update the response plan as needed. Motorists should plan ahead and give plenty of time to prep vehicles for travel and slower travel speeds during a winter weather event.
KYTC continues to encourage motorists to remain safe by following these tips:
- When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you are in. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in adverse weather conditions, so break early and slowly.
- Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice—a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
- Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment.
- Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
- Allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
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