News Summary
Lexington faced a series of vehicle collisions and traffic hazards on Thursday morning, attributed to dangerous icy conditions. Police responded to multiple incidents, including injuries and road closures due to crashes. Crews worked to improve safety with salt application, yet many side streets remained slick. As temperatures continue to drop, officials urge residents to drive cautiously and stay updated on road conditions as they monitor the ongoing hazards from the winter storm.
Lexington experienced a series of vehicle collisions and traffic hazards on Thursday morning due to icy conditions, leading to numerous responses from law enforcement and traffic crews. From 5 AM to 10 AM, police reported addressing two injury collisions, 22 non-injury collisions, and seven traffic hazards throughout the area.
One of the most significant incidents occurred on Georgetown Road at Berea Road, where a crash resulted in road closures in both directions. Around 5:45 AM, three cars lost traction while navigating a bridge, leading them off the roadway; one of these vehicles ended up on its side. Fortunately, only one individual sustained minor injuries from the series of crashes.
In addition to localized incidents, a separate crash near mile marker 118 on I-75 caused traffic backups on the southbound side of the interstate, adding to the challenges faced by commuters. Main roads in Lexington have since been cleared following a winter storm that impacted the area the previous week; however, many side streets remain slick, prompting Fayette County Public Schools to keep students at home for an additional day.
Road Conditions and Response Efforts
As part of the response to the hazardous conditions, crews have applied salt to the affected roads to improve safety. Despite these efforts, crashes were notably reported around bridges and overpasses, necessitating the closure of the inner loop of Man O War Blvd. at Nichols Park Drive due to slick conditions. The city has treated nearly 200 miles of unranked roads since the winter storm, which left a mix of snow and ice.
In a trial run conducted by bus drivers to assess road safety, at least one bus became stuck on an icy route. These incidents highlight the ongoing concerns about transportation safety as efforts to address issues related to the school district’s unsafe bus routes continue.
Challenges from Winter Weather
Since the winter storm, city officials have faced significant challenges in maintaining road safety. Crews temporarily suspended snow and ice removal operations to manage over 200 reports of fallen trees across the area. Mayor Linda Gorton has recognized the impact these icy conditions have had on residents as well as the difficulties encountered by city services in managing both road and tree issues.
As conditions potentially worsen with continued cold temperatures, residents are advised to remain cautious while traveling and to stay informed about ongoing road conditions. The city is actively monitoring the situation and working to ensure safer travel options for all residents.
In summary, icy conditions have caused numerous accidents and traffic disruptions in Lexington as officials prioritize addressing the hazards still present on the roads. The community is encouraged to exercise caution during travel and stay updated on road safety measures being implemented in response to the winter weather.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Traffic Alert – Icy Conditions Cause Multiple Crashes
- Google Search: Lexington icy conditions
- Fox 56 News: Portion of Man O War Boulevard Closed Due to Icy Conditions
- Wikipedia: Icy Conditions
- LEX 18: Lexington City Officials Address Ongoing Road Condition Concerns
- Google News: Road Conditions Kentucky
- WTVQ: Why Are Neighborhood Streets Still Icy in Lexington?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Officials Give Update on Road Conditions, Power Outages
