Plow clearing the roads after a snow storm in Covington. Photo provided | The City of Covington

While we didn’t get a white Christmas, winter weather is still going to be coming to Northern Kentucky here soon.

Before the real winter weather begins, we wanted to ask, how does snow and ice removal and mitigation work?

The State of Kentucky Department of Transportation covers all interstates and state roads while Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties are responsible for roads within their respective borders that are not state or city roads, with cities addressing all roads in their jurisdictions, officials said. 

In Boone County, streets are ranked on a priority list, with one being the most urgent and three as the least urgent, according to the county’s public works department. 

Plowing takes a considerably longer time because of the precision and caution needed to safely move the snow and the primary material used to treat the roads is salt, though in rare situations a sand-salt mix is deployed. 

There are three levels of snow emergencies in Kenton County:

Level I

  • Conditions: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and/or drifting snow, roadways may be icy.
  • Advisory: Cautious driving is advised.

Level II

  • Conditions: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and roadways may be icy.
  • Advisory: Only motorists whose travel is necessary should be on the roadways. Residents are urged to contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

Level III

  • Conditions: All roadways are restricted to emergency personnel, travel for work, provisions, medical supplies or medical treatment, and private snow removal operations.
  • Advisory: Essential travel only is advised. Violators are subject to prosecution. Residents are urged to contact their employer concerning work schedules.

For more information regarding snow/ice removal, contact the following:

  • Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 – (859) 341-2700
  • Boone County Public Works Department – (859) 334-3600
  • Campbell County Road Department – (859) 635-9100
  • Kenton County Public Works Department – (859) 392-1920

It is recommended city snow/ice removal inquiries be directed to the individual municipality, officials said.


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