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Check for updates @LouPubWorks on X (formerly Twitter) during snow events
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 6, 2023) – Mayor Craig Greenberg, joined by members of the Metro Snow Team and partners from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Louisville Fire, the National Weather Service and Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) today outlined preparations for the upcoming 2023-24 snow season.
The Mayor thanked members of the Louisville Metro Snow Team, who have been conducting mock runs on the city’s snow routes since early October to ensure the Team is 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,” said the mayor. “This team will jump into action any hour, any day, to make it safe for the rest of us.”
The Snow Team is led by Metro Public Works under the leadership of Director Jennifer Caummisar-Kern and Assistant Director for Roads and Operations Mike Nolan. The Public Works Solid Waste Management and Signs & Markings Divisions, Metro Parks, the Department of Codes & Regulations’ Vacant Lots Division and the Department of Fleet Services are also part of the team.
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 at four above- ground locations where the salt will 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 on Metro’s snow routes.
The city will pretreat roads with brine ahead of snowfalls when appropriate. Brine is a saltwater solution that reduces the adherence of snow and ice to pavement and reduces slick spots.
City snow routes include arterial and collector roads, bus routes and roads to major employers and emergency facilities for a total of 2,734 two-lane miles. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and private contractors also clear routes in the city.
“I want to thank the mayor and his administration for their support of our snow fighting operations,” said Director Caummisar-Kern. “I also want to reiterate my appreciation for not only the internal Metro departments making up our Metro Snow Team, Public Works, Metro Parks, Codes & Regulations’ Vacant Lots Division, and Fleet Services but also our external partner agencies, KYTC and the National Weather Service. It is the commitment and collaboration of these groups working together that ensure our city’s roadways are kept in safe driving condition.”
“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,” said KYTC District 5 Chief District Engineer Matt Bullock. “Our snow fighters are prepared and ready to respond anytime winter weather impacts our area.”
The Louisville Fire Department praised the crucial role the Metro Snow Team plays 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 Captain Donovan Sims, Louisville Fire Department’s public information officer.
When it comes to helping residents combat winter fires and indoor home safety, Sims added, “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.”
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 December 2.
“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 Jefferson County Public Schools. “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 Department of Public Works & Assets is responsible for maintaining the city's infrastructure through road construction and maintenance, managing construction projects, transportation planning, snow removal, solid waste collection, and operation and maintenance of all of Metro’s traffic signals. During Mayor Fischer’s tenure, the Department has received tremendous support to ensure the Metro Snow Team and the partner agencies that comprise it are successful in their snow-fighting efforts to keep Metro roadways in safe driving condition during the season.
For more information about Public Works, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works, like on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LouPubWorks, and follow on X (formerly Twitter) @LouPubWorks.
The city’s snow removal progress can be followed via an interactive online map. During snow events, a snow map will be posted on the city website, www.louisvilleky.gov
DIRECT RELEASE FROM LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
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