Winter Storm Update: KY Transportation Cabinet District 4

Kevin Jaggers talks about state roadways with KY Transportation Cabinet Dist. 4 Spokesperson, Chris Jessie

[00:00] – Kevin Jaggers
94.3 The Wolf with another winter storm update. Kevin Jaggers here, joined by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 4 spokesperson Chris Jesse. Chris, it’s been a minute, but good to talk with you today.

[00:14] – Chris Jesse
You too, Kevin. Sorry about the circumstances, brother. (chuckles)

[00:18] – Kevin Jaggers
Yeah, the circumstances aren’t ideal, but we want to keep everyone informed on what’s happening. A lot of people are wondering about road conditions, and if you can stay home, that’s the best option during this storm—especially with the snowfall we’re expecting. Chris, walk us through what’s happening right now.

[00:41] – Chris Jesse
We’ve been anticipating this storm for several days, from weather experts to road crews, and that preparation has helped. One thing that stood out this morning as precipitation moved north into Hardin County and beyond is that people are staying off the roads. There’s still some traffic, but overall volume is noticeably down, especially on I-65. That’s a good thing and helps keep drivers and our crews safe.

[01:31] – Kevin Jaggers
Mm-hmm.

[01:33] – Chris Jesse
Lower traffic volume allows crews to work more efficiently. We put down salt and treatment before roads started to coat, and now we’re in full plow mode. We’ll continue plowing until precipitation stops. We’re watching closely for sleet or freezing rain, because there’s not much you can do once that begins. Either way, crews will remain out working. We’re hopeful temperatures allow treatments to stay effective tonight, and we’re fully mobilized in every county.

[02:18] – Kevin Jaggers
There you go—that’s what the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be doing over the next few days, with updates as conditions change throughout the storm.

[02:30] – Chris Jesse
Even after precipitation stops, extremely cold temperatures will keep ice compacted on the roads, and that doesn’t come off easily.

[02:40] – Kevin Jaggers
Right.

[02:42] – Chris Jesse
I also want people to understand the priority route system during a long-duration event like this. Interstates, parkways, and major routes such as 31W and 62 are priority routes. Priority doesn’t mean we clear them once and move on—it means we continually work to keep them passable. Because of that, secondary routes may not be addressed until later.

[03:25] – Kevin Jaggers
Chris Jesse with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet—thanks so much for the update.

[03:29] – Chris Jesse
Thanks, Kevin.

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