The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 highway crews are ready to respond to the winter storm expected to move across the state on Thursday.
The U.S. National Weather Service out of Louisville has issued a winter storm warning for all ten counties in District 8. Weather forecasts are calling for snow accumulations of 4″ – 6″ across the region. Motorists should expect hazardous travel conditions, especially during the Thursday evening commute.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) mission is to keep traffic moving in a safe manner with an emphasis on maintaining mobility along critical corridors and priority routes. When bad weather hits, crews are assigned 12-hour shifts to plow and treat roads using a priority system based on the amount and nature of traffic within each individual county. Priority A routes include major through routes and are those most heavily traveled. Priority B routes include other important, but lesser traveled, state routes. Other roads fall into Priority C.
The Cabinet’s snow and ice information website, http://snowky.ky.gov, provides details about priority routes, helpful winter weather tips, fact sheets and videos on salt application and snow removal.
In addition, the public can monitor winter operations in real time on the state’s interactive traffic system – GoKY.ky.gov – to find out what’s happening on state routes in their local counties.
You are an important part! Safe travel begins with YOU!
Be prepared:
The following measures will help keep motorists safe and prepared:
Put yourself in emergency mode
Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level
Travel only as necessary during major snow events. It’s better to be stuck at home than to be stuck on the road
Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment
Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder
Allow time for a slower commute
Winterize vehicles
Supply vehicles with blankets, flash light and an emergency supply kit
Know before you go. Visit goky.ky.gov and download the free Waze app to check traffic conditions before you travel. You can also get traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.
Eliminate distractions (e.g. operating phone and eating) while driving
Cooperate with the expectations of the Quick Clearance law, which requires drivers to move vehicles to the shoulder in the event of a non-injury crash
KYTC District 8 is responsible for maintaining state highways in Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell and Wayne counties.