In preparation of winter precipitation expected in the region this weekend, officials with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 will begin pre-treating some roadways and potential “trouble spots” Friday.
Drivers should be on alert for slow-moving trucks spraying brine on highway surfaces, and crews will concentrate their efforts on “A” Snow and Ice Priority Routes, before transitioning to spot-treating bridges, overpasses, and tougher spots like hilltops, curves, and other shady areas that can be problematic with snow accumulation.
Drivers are also encouraged to use caution and adjust driving habits based on highway surface conditions mile by mile. Heavier bands of snow or wintry mix within this weather event could create hazardous driving conditions.
When brine is sprayed on pavement, it dries to leave a fine powder coating of salt that sticks to the road surface. This powdered salt is then available to be activated by falling precipitation in the early hours of a snow and ice event.
It initially improves driving conditions by melting snow as it falls, then makes it easier for crews to plow snow later, keeping frozen precipitation from bonding to the pavement.
KYTC District 1 has at least 87 snow plows, five tow-plows, and several contract plows to cover 2,852 miles of highway in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties.
Statewide, more than 1,400 plow trucks are on deck to keep travelers safely moving during a snow and ice event.
