LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Winter is just around the corner, but the city is ready for what may come. Specifically, the Louisville Metro Snow Team is gearing up for the cold weather season.
Several area organizations joined Mayor Greg Fischer Thursday to layout Louisville’s winter preparedness plan.
With close to 300 members, and 160 pieces of equipment, the Snow Team handles 2,734 two-lane miles of road. This covers arterial and collector roads, bus routes and roads to major employers in the region.
According to Metro Public Works, the department in charge of the Snow Team, the outfit has 38,000 tons of salt on hand. It stores most of the salt underground inside the Louisville Mega Cavern, with about 17,500 tons stored at four above- ground locations.
Besides salt, the Snow Team can pretreat roads with brine before snowfall begins. Brine is a saltwater solution that’s used to reduce snow and ice build-up on pavement. Brine can also cut down slick spots.
To prepare, the Snow Team has been running practice drills on the city’s snow routes as well. Mayor Fischer thanked the group for their efforts.
“It takes a special team to go out and handle significant winter weather, and I and everyone in our city are truly thankful for our team’s tireless commitment and service,” Fischer said. “This team will jump into action any hour, any day, to make it safe for the rest of us to get where we need to go when the weather gets bad.”
“I want to thank the Mayor and his administration for the support he has provided during his tenure of not just our snow fighting operations, but all the infrastructure services our department provides,” said director Vanessa Burns. “I also want to thank the dedicated and very capable women and men on our Metro Snow Team. They step up every year to ensure our city’s roadways are kept in safe driving condition.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Louisville Fire Department (LFD) also work closely with the Snow Team. KYTC District 5 Chief District Engineer Matt Bullock described how they operate. District 5 covers Louisville.
“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,” Bullock said. “Our snow fighters are prepared and ready to respond anytime winter weather impacts our area.”
LFD explained how critical the Metro Snow Team’s job is as they respond to emergencies.
“Speed is critical when responding to any emergency incident. The work of the Snow Team allows us to arrive on scene safely and quickly to save lives and preserve property during snow events. We couldn’t do it without their support,” said Major Bobby Cooper, Louisville Fire Department.
Cooper added a word about avoiding winter fires, “It’s important for the community to play a key role in keeping their home, families and neighbors safe. 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.”
Jefferson County Public Schools students from Wilt, Norton Commons and Cane Run elementary schools took part in the Snow Team’s preparations as well. The children painted festive designs on three Metro snow plows that will take part in the city’s Lots of Lights Parade at Light Up Louisville on Nov. 25, 2022.
“It will be exciting to see the creative work of our students on the plows clearing snow from Louisville streets,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, superintendent of jCPS. “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.”
Spectrum News 1 has more information you can use to keep you and your family safe during the winter months. You can find it on our severe weather section.