Temperatures may be a far cry from what’s required to see frozen precipitation in the central Kentucky area. But, October is traditionally the time for Lexington officials to spell out the snow and ice removal plan.
The update this week from Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen included information about weather monitoring stations. Allen told Council committee members plans call for three to be positioned along roads in west, south, and northcentral sites in Fayette County. He said they can report on air temperatures, ground temperatures, road temperatures, and relative humidity.
“If folks remember the flash freeze last winter that came out of the west this is a piece of technology that we hope will alert us earlier,” said Allen.
Allen said funds will go for a route optimization study to be conducted next spring. That information can be used in developing snow and ice removal strategies next year. The Streets and Roads director said his department is down about 12 drivers currently in what’s been an ongoing challenge.
Regarding salt storage, Allen noted there are some challenges there as well.
“Our original salt barn that was constructed in 1994 has been condemned and instead of holding 3000 tons of salt at our main facility, only holds 18 hundred. We were in prior fiscal years funded for design and now with inflation we do not have enough money to complete construction,” said Allen.
Allen said hopefully there is enough salt in storage, but it’s difficult to fully assess the need for salt over the winter months.
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