Winter is here and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 6 snowfighters are prepared and ready to treat interstates and state roads in Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton and Robertson counties.
“We have snow and ice training in October to inspect our equipment and prepare our District 6 snowplow operators and support personnel,” said Bob Yeager, chief district engineer for District 6. “Every snowstorm presents unique challenges, but we have a dedicated group of men and women who do their best to make sure our roadways in northern Kentucky are the best they can be.”
KYTC District 6 road crews are ready for winter, are you (provided photos)?
During winter weather events, KYTC crews work to keep traffic moving safely, with an emphasis on maintaining mobility along critical corridors and priority routes. The public is encouraged to visit http://snowky.ky.gov for all snow and ice information, including more about priority routes in specific counties, access helpful winter weather tips and fact sheets, and informational videos on salt application and snow removal.
In the Northern Kentucky counties of Boone, Kenton and Campbell, District 6 is responsible for 1,868 lane miles of roadway. Crews have stockpiled 16,500 tons of salt and more than 26,000 gallons of brine for deicing in the three counties. Seventy-three trucks are available for snow and ice removal – three of which concentrate on the six-mile section of I-75 between Buttermilk Pike and the Brent Spence Bridge that includes the “Cut in the Hill.”
Last year, District 6 crews used more than 29,900 tons of salt, approximately 44,749 gallons of salt brine and 38,565 gallons of liquid chloride for snow and ice events. In all, District 6 spent $5.6 million on equipment, materials and labor.
Safe roads are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase. KYTC reminds motorists to do their part to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
• Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and first aid kit.
• Winterize vehicles. Have your car battery, tire pressure and brakes checked. Make sure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.
• When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you’re 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 or 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.
• Travel only as necessary during major snow events. It’s better to be stranded at home than on the road.
• 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.
• Know before you go. Download the free Waze app or visit goky.ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel.
• Eliminate distractions while driving (e.g. using phone and eating).
• 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.
Skidabrader on its way to Kentucky
Work will begin Friday on a friction treatment for southbound Interstate 71/75 near the curve at exit 187 in Fort Mitchell.
The pavement surface treatment, performed by equipment called a skidabrader, will increase friction on more than a mile of interstate, from mile point 186.7 to mile point 187.9.
This area had seen several crashes over the past year, especially during rainy conditions. Skidabrader treatments have been successful in achieving pavement friction on roadways and airport runways for several decades.
Work will begin Friday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. on the left lane, which is currently closed. Starting at 9 p.m., two lanes will close until 5 a.m. the following morning.
From Saturday Nov. 16 through Monday, Nov. 18, nightly closures will begin at 9 p.m. and continue until 5 a.m. the following morning.
A more extensive improvement project for the area, both northbound and southbound, is scheduled for letting this month. That work includes base failure corrections and barrier wall repair. This project will be scheduled sometime next year.
To remain informed throughout the year, follow KYTC District 6 on its Facebook page at and on Twitter.
KYTC District 6
