LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — With winter weather forecast for tonight, Lexington officials say the city is better prepared than ever, thanks to an expanded snow fleet and additional personnel following a $2.2 million investment in equipment and staffing.
The city's enhanced winter response includes more than 100 personnel and 45 pieces of equipment within government, plus contractor partners supplying up to 11 trucks, according to Rob Allen, Director of Streets and Roads.
Pre-treating began this afternoon on Man O War, bridges, overpasses and hills, and will continue throughout the day. On-call crews will report at 8 tonight and work overnight until relieved by the day shift at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. Primary contractor crews will be called in to assist with treatment as needed.
Emergency management officials are urging residents to take precautions as conditions deteriorate.
"Slow down while you're driving, watch your bridges and overpasses as they will become slick first. And of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention if we do have some accumulating snow, to help perhaps elderly neighbors out in removing that snow," said Lexington's Director of Emergency Management, Rob Larkin.
The city has stockpiled significant resources for the winter season.
"We have over 10,000 tons of salt in hand, and we have over 10,000 gallons of brine and beat heat, already premixed with the ability to make quite a bit more as needed," officials said.
Months of preparation
Since September, the city has been meeting regularly with key partner agencies, including Fayette County Public Schools, the University of Kentucky, Lextran, and LexPark, to prepare for winter weather.
In October, snow removal crews participated in classroom and hands-on training, driving snowplows on a closed obstacle course. They also rehearsed winter routes to familiarize themselves with streets and any challenges they may encounter.
Snow removal in Lexington is a combined effort of local and state government. The city is responsible for snow and ice removal for approximately 1,428 lane miles of city and county roads, as well as more than 84 miles of sidewalk. The state handles approximately 878 lane miles of state roads.
Enhanced response after last winter
Following a severe winter storm last January, Lexington allocated additional resources to winter weather response. These improvements included purchasing five new snowplows and salt spreaders for smaller trucks, making increased use of trucks in Parks & Recreation that already have snowplows and salt spreaders, using private contractors through emergency contracts to help clear neighborhood streets, and purchasing three additional tanker trucks to increase the city's ability to apply salt brine and beet heat.
Treatment and snow removal are based on a ranking system, with the highest rankings given to streets with the highest traffic volume. Priority is given to streets frequently used for public transportation, emergency services or by Fayette County Public Schools.
Safety recommendations for drivers
Officials strongly recommend avoiding travel during the winter weather event.
"The best way to prevent issues on the roadway during the winter weather, during the winter storm, is to stay off the roadways," said Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers.
For those who must travel, safety precautions are essential.
"If you must be on the roadways during the winter weather, here are some tips: clear your front and rear windshields, mirrors, and the roof of your car of snow and ice before driving. That way you do not create a hazard for yourself or others," said Chief Weathers.
Cold weather shelter preparations
Street outreach teams will notify unsheltered persons of forecasted conditions. Multiple shelters across the city are available for people experiencing homelessness, including the new LFUCG winter shelter located at 1306 Versailles Road, which added 216 beds. Free transportation to shelters is available.
