As Winter approaches, Lexington area residents will soon be dealing with snowy roads. Members of Lexington’s Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee heard about a slightly modified snow removal plan last week. While city crews remove snow from certain public sidewalks, homeowners are responsible for pavement in front of their houses. Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen said pretreatment helps. “It’s does not hurt to get out there and put down brine or pretreat salt if you look at the weather forecast and know. That’s what we do. It is so much easier to take care of winter weather that’s not bonded to the asphalt than something that’s sat there and been driven over and locked in. And homeowners should try to take that approach when possible,” said Allen.
Allen told council members the city is in good shape with the amount of salt on hand for the start of the winter season. But he noted the Old Frankfort Pike salt barn is showing its age. Allen said it has structural deficiencies and can hold 18 hundred tons of salt. He said it’s designed to hold up to three thousand tons.
Council Member Amanda Mays Bledsoe asked Allen about technology to communicate cleared roads to citizens. “I wished they showed where they have treated. I don’t know if that’s a software issue or a truck issue,” asked Bledsoe
“That’s a big expense issue. You go from 30 dollars a month per truck to hardware and software for that is about 150,” responded Allen
“That’s probably not a good investment,” added Mays Bledsoe.
Allen suggested citizens can turn to city-designated cameras along certain busy roads to get an idea about travel conditions. The streets and roads director said this season’s snow removal strategy was drawn up, taking into account fewer CDL drivers.
