MANCHESTER, Ky. – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Highway 11 crews are ready to respond to the forecast winter storm that will hit District 11 counties with freezing rain, snow, and ice.
Weather forecasts require the system to arrive in the District 11 region late Wednesday evening through early Friday. The system is expected to start out as rain turning into a wintry mix with the potential of ice build-up of half an inch or more for much of our region.
Damage to trees and power lines is likely – a condition that poses its own threat to the KYTC crews and can delay the response to the road. The potential for single-digit chill temperatures affects the effectiveness of road salt, which works best when temperatures are above freezing. Drivers are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary journeys in the next few days.
KYTC District 11 crews on Wednesday loaded up salt, sharpened chainsaws, and prepared gear for an extended winter weather response.
During the storm, the Kentucky Department of Highways crews will work 12-hour shifts, focusing on keeping high priority state routes such as highways and park lanes passable. Crews then focus on heavily trafficked state routes before turning to lower volume routes. With the ice and arctic temperatures expected, Kentuckians should be prepared for several days of snow-covered roads.
Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel. If you have to drive:
– Remember to reduce your speed
– Give the drivers of snow plow vehicles enough space when following
– Don’t ride on shoulders of the road
– Do not try to pass a snow plow
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has created a snow contingency plan to provide resources in each county when needed to cover routes based on priorities such as high traffic and connectivity to hospitals and other critical services. Snow priority maps for each state can be viewed online at http://SnowKY.ky.gov.
Visit for real-time traffic information or to keep up with the state snow fighters in your particular county http://GoKY.ky.gov. Follow District 11 updates on Twitter and Facebook at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict11 or www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict11.
KYTC District 11 is responsible for maintaining state roads in Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, and Whitley counties.
