LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Temperatures are headed below freezing Thursday, and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) spent hours Wednesday spraying brine on roads and highways.
While it might have been hard to see, the brine shows up in thin chalky lines and helps prevent freezing roads.
KYTC District 5 is responsible for approximately 3,500 single-lane miles of roadway in Bullitt, Henry, Franklin, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties. District 5 said it prepped roads Wednesday, and contractors are expected to hit the road at 9 a.m. Thursday.
INDOT said it’s always a good reminder before the first round of winter weather for drivers to mentally prepare to slow down. And if you see any snow plows or trucks putting out ice melt to keep your distance.
"Try not to pass them unless you absolutely have to," said Natalie Garrett, public relations director for INDOT. "Be extra careful if you do need to pass them. They do have some blind spots. They're large vehicles. We want to keep everybody safe out there, our drivers and the traveling public included."
INDOT and KYTC said they are well-stocked with supplies and so far.
If you aren't headed out in the winter weather, there's still home preparation. Brownsboro Hardware and Paint said it was busy Wednesday with customers getting supplies like snow and ice melt, snow shovels, furnace filters and faucet protectors.
Outdoor faucets would be first to freeze. If you don't have a protector, you can use an old pool noodle. Brownsboro Hardware and Paint Owner Doug Carroll said he will open Thursday if anyone needs last-minute supplies.
"It's a great honor to support local in support my customers," he said. "I know so many of them on a personal level, and to offer things to help keep them safe in this weather, it's very important."
Last year, Brownsboro Hardware and Paint sold 100 tons of ice melt. The business said it has another truck load of salt shipping in Wednesday night and has about seven tons right now.
Carroll said a lot of people bought sleds Wednesday, too.
Copyright 2022 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
