District 7 Crews Continue Battling Wintry Mix as Bitter Cold Forecast

 Motorists urged to stay off roads as hazardous conditions expected 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2026) – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 7 highway crews continue winter operations today as central Kentucky faces continued snow, sleet and freezing rain.

Crews remain actively treating and plowing roadways, with priority given to major routes. The ongoing mix of winter precipitation is creating slick and unpredictable driving conditions, particularly on bridges, overpasses and untreated surfaces where black ice may be present.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Crews will continue working throughout the winter weather event; however, ongoing precipitation and extremely cold temperatures may limit improvement on road conditions. Prolonged cold can reduce the effectiveness of road salt and allow ice to refreeze, even on previously treated roadways. Motorists are encouraged to prepare for bitter cold temperatures expected into the upcoming week.

KYTC snow and ice response follows a priority system to maximize safety and mobility. Crews work 12-hour shifts and treat roadways in the following order:

• Priority A: Major through routes  

• Priority B: Important but less-traveled state routes  

• Priority C: All other routes  

Snow priority maps for each county are available at SnowKY.ky.gov.

If travel cannot be avoided, motorists should slow down, increase following distance, use major routes when possible, and carry an emergency car kit. Drivers should give snowplows plenty of space and never pass a plow on the shoulder. Follow Kentucky’s Quick Clearance Law, which requires vehicles involved in non-injury crashes to move to the shoulder.

Motorists should not call 911 for road conditions. Current traffic and roadway information is available at GoKY.ky.gov.

With dangerously cold temperatures expected, residents are encouraged to know where the nearest warming center or shelter is located. Information on warming centers statewide is available at https://tinyurl.com/kyshelters.

KYTC District 7 is responsible for maintaining state highways in Anderson, Boyle, Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford counties.