FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky road crews rolled out new, eco-friendly tools on Tuesday as they worked through the state’s second snowfall of the season.
Kentucky State Police responded to more than 500 calls since midnight, with over two dozen drivers needing assistance. Gov. Andy Beshear said the snow led to several crashes and road closures across the state.
“Most have not slept to have our roads in the very best shape that they can be in this morning,” Beshear said.
New de-icing product tested
Crews are testing a new mix of salt brine and a de-sugared beet byproduct this winter, replacing the usual calcium chloride. Transportation Cabinet officials said the mixture is more environmentally friendly while still working just as well.
“It has essentially the same effect as the calcium chloride, so it lowers that melting or that freezing temperature of water,” said Eric Bowman with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The state has more than 2,300 “snow fighters” working to keep roads safe, and 43 new roadway weather cameras have been installed to give crews better real-time information.
Officials warned that refreezing could become an issue after dark as temperatures drop. Jim Gray with the Transportation Cabinet said warmer pavement made plowing easier but urged drivers to remain cautious.
Beshear reminded motorists to prepare their vehicles, check weather and traffic updates, and slow down when driving in winter conditions.
“If there’s snow, ice, slush, sleet, you shouldn’t be going faster than you normally do. You should be going slower,” Beshear said.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Bryan Washer added that many drivers continue to follow snowplows too closely, creating safety hazards.
“Let’s give snow plows the space they need to operate effectively, keep a safe distance and when we are passing a plow, travel a lot slower, especially on slick roads,” Washer said.
Crews worked overnight clearing crashes on I-65, I-71, and other major routes. Officials said they will continue plowing and treating roads through the evening and urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.
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