Crews from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department of Highways are preparing for the first predicted winter weather of the 2007-08 season. In anticipation of snow later this evening and tomorrow, crews are pre-treating highways in Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell and Wolfe counties with brine to help combat accumulating shows should they occur.The application of brine, which is water saturated or nearly saturated with salt, keeps snow from bonding with the pavement, thus making it easier for snowplows to push the initial accumulation of snow off the highway. 

Because only light snow is predicted, and accumulating snow is forecast only for the northern portion of the 10-county highway district, pre-treatment is being limited primarily to bridges, hills, intersections and other trouble spots which are prone to freezing or where sudden traffic movements such as stops, starts or turns are necessary.

Motorists are asked to watch for KYTC trucks on the highways this afternoon as the Cabinet begins its winter weather preparations. The spray trucks that apply brine to the highways operate at a slower speed than does normal traffic. 

Should accumulating snow fall or the roads become slick and hazardous, KYTC crews will begin clearing a path through the snow and ice. Motorists can call 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest highway condition information.
 

Road conditions are described in the following manner:

 

Wet Pavement - The roadway is wet. Ice could form as temperatures drop. 

Partly Covered - The roadway is partly covered with snow, slush or ice.  Markings may be obscured.

 Mostly Covered - The roadway is mostly covered with snow, slush or ice. Roadway markers may be difficult to see because of packed snow and rutting conditions. 

Completely Covered - The roadway is completely covered with snow, slush or ice and markings are obscured. 

Impassable - Roadway conditions are not suitable for travel unless required by an emergency.

 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, through the 511 service, strives to provide the most descriptive and up-to-date information for motorists so they know what to expect when they get out on the road.  Drivers are also reminded that bridges and overpasses are typically the most treacherous.  Motorists should use extreme caution when traveling during winter weather.

JB