Motorists should be alert for slow-moving trucks
PADUCAH, KY (Jan. 4, 2022) In anticipation of the season’s first accumulating snowfall arriving sometime Thursday, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) crews in District 1 plan to ramp up pre-treating activities along area highways during the day on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. While accumulation totals are uncertain at this time, cold temperatures arriving with the system provide our first real opportunity for widespread winter driving conditions across the region.
Most highway crews in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties will transition to pre-treating through the day Tuesday as other planned maintenance activities are completed. The transition time will also allow brine tanks and spray equipment to be mounted while brine production is ramped up in required quantities.
Motorists should be alert for slow-moving trucks on the move spraying brine on road surfaces starting around noon, today. The KYTC District 1 supertanker will be spraying much of Interstate 24 at regular traffic speeds.
Brine is sprayed on pavement that dries to leave a fine powder coating of salt that sticks on the road driving surface that is activated by falling snow. Pre-treating initially improves driving conditions in the early hours of a snow and ice event, then makes it easier for crews to plow snow by keeping frozen precipitation from bonding to the pavement.
Motorists are reminded to adjust their driving speed to meet localized weather conditions as the snow develops. Motorists are advised to monitor the developing forecast via area news media outlets or go to the National Weather Service Paducah Office page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah.
Just as highway crews prep their equipment for snow and ice, they ask that you do the same. A survey by the Colorado Department of Transportation found that many motorists who ended up in the ditch during early-season snow events had sub-standard tire tread. Many tire suppliers will provide a free tire tread check.
The KYTC District 1 Snow & Ice Team will continue to monitor changing conditions as the system approaches on Thursday to ensure highway crews are ready to respond.