Crews are out trying to clear roads across Whitley County

State, county and local road crews have been out in force since Sunday as they attempt to clear and maintain the roads throughout Whitley County.

County and State roads

Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr. was manning one of the county’s six salt trucks Monday morning.

County Projects Director Amber Owens said the crews are each assigned a different area of the county and they focus on their respective areas.

“They know the roads so they work their area until the roads have been cleared,” Owens said noting that the county crews focus on county maintained roads leaving the state highways, such as U.S. 25W, Ky. 26, Ky. 90 and Ky. 92 to the state.

“Anything that is a state route number is handled by the state,” Owens said.

Owens said the crews will continue working around the clock until the roads are clear.

Corbin Roads

Corbin City Manager Marlon Sams said four city crews have been out working throughout the night. “They are working around the clock,” Sams said noting that they are focused on the main streets throughout Corbin.

“Most of the main roads are passable,” Sams said.

Williamsburg Roads

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison said his crew had a handle on the city streets until approximately 5:30 a.m.

“They were cleared down to the road,” Harrison said.

“Another snow moved in and just covered it up,” Harrison said noting that he told the crew to go home and get some rest at about 10 a.m.

Harrison said the city operates one truck but has a SkidSteer and a front loader that may also be used for snow removal.

In addition city street crews and sanitation workers, in conjunction with the Williamsburg Fire Department, may also be called upon to clear trees and other debris.

Harrison said firefighters are available to assist Williamsburg residents that have an emergency and need to get somewhere. Residents may call the fire department at 549-6037 to get in touch with a firefighter.

“If everybody would just stay in and let the crews get some work done on the roads, it would help tremendously,” Harrison said.

Interstate and County Roads

Whitley County Constable Ron “Bubba” Bowling said Interstate 75 and the main arteries throughout the county are currently passable.

“There is still an ice pack on the roads,” Bowling said noting that it is from the snow and ice that froze before the first treatment.

In addition, Bowling said the heavy, wet snow is bending and snapping trees, which have fallen into the roadways. Bowling said he was seeing very little traffic, advising residents to remain home if possible.

“This ain’t over yet,” Bowling said noting that temperatures are expected to plunge again tonight.