LOUISVILLE, Ky. — You may not be ready for it, but the city of Louisville is ready for snow.
On Monday, Mayor Craig Greenberg, members of the Metro Snow Team, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Louisville Fire, the National Weather Service and Jefferson County Public Schools outlined preparations for the upcoming 2023-24 snow season.
The Louisville Metro Snow Team has been conducting mock runs on the city's snow routes since early October, to ensure they're ready for the season.
“It takes a special team to go out and work long hours during inclement weather conditions to keep our roads safe, and myself and everyone in our city are truly thankful for our team’s tireless commitment and service to our citizens,” Greenberg said. “This team will jump into action any hour, any day, to make it safe for the rest of us.”
Louisville will begin the snow season this year with 38,000 tons of salt on hand, which is about average for the beginning of most winters for Louisville Metro.
Most of the salt is stored underground in the Louisville Mega Cavern, while about 17,500 tons are stored above ground, to be loaded onto spreading vehicles as needed.
In the 2022-23 snow season, Metro snow fighters responded to seven significant wintry weather events, using about 16,000 tons of salt.
The city will pretreat roads with brine ahead of snowfalls when appropriate, according to a news release from the Mayor's Office. Brine is a saltwater solution that reduces the adherence of snow and ice to pavement and reduces slick spots.
City snow routes include bus routes and roads to major employers and emergency facilities for a total of 2,734 two-lane miles.
“During a snow event, our crews cover nearly 600 lane miles of roadway in Jefferson County and work to ensure interstates are clear and safe for travel,” KYTC District 5 Chief District Engineer Matt Bullock said. “Our snow fighters are prepared and ready to respond anytime winter weather impacts our area.”
Captain Donovan Sims, Louisville Fire Department’s public information officer, listed a few things people in the community can do to combat winter fires.
“It’s important for the community to play a key role in keeping their home, families and neighbors safe," Sims said. "Simple safety precautions like maintaining home heating equipment, using space heaters and generators with caution, and replacing batteries in smoke alarms can help ensure a warm and safe winter.”
JCPS students from Greenwood, Maupin and Stopher elementary schools painted festive designs on three Metro snowplows that will be featured in the city’s Lots of Lights Parade at Light Up Louisville on Dec. 2.
“It will be exciting to see the creative work of our students on the plows clearing snow from Louisville streets,” JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said. “Thank you to Louisville Metro Public Works for giving JCPS students the opportunity to show off their talents and give drivers a smile when they spot these decorated snow plows this winter.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says it has more than a million gallons of salt brine, a million gallons of calcium chloride and 340,000 tons of salt ready. The state also has more than 1,400 plow trucks and 2,000 staff on standby.
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