Live updates: Lexington says roads in good shape despite ice, drivers advised to be safe

An overnight winter storm created the possibility for hazardous traveling conditions Tuesday, but the roads were in good condition Tuesday morning, according to city officials.

Road crews had been treating the roads since 8 p.m. Monday and would remain on standby as needed, the city said. There is still the possibility of ice accumulating on the roads, especially on bridges, overpasses and other untreated surfaces.

“Motorists should drive slowly and allow extra time to reach their destination,” the city said in a press release. “Individuals should also be mindful of sidewalks and parking lots that might be icy and cause them to lose their footing.”

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday into Wednesday, with most of the state including Lexington falling under the advisory.

New winter weather advisory issued for Lexington

2:45 p.m. — The NWS has issued a new winter weather advisory for most of Kentucky, beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday and lasting till 7 a.m. Wednesday.

The newest advisory features another round of mixed wintry precipitation, including freezing rain, freezing drizzle and small snow accumulation, according to the NWS. Snow and sleet accumulations are expected to be less than an inch while ice accumulations are projected to be up to one-tenth.

The NWS said the roads will be slick beginning this evening and the Wednesday morning commute could be affected.

Paris Pike reopened, one Lexington road still closed

12:20 p.m. — Officials have reopened the inbound lanes of Paris Pike near the Fayette-Bourbon County line, according to the traffic management center.

The area was was the site of multiple accidents due to slick spots Tuesday morning. One of the accidents involved a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

The road was closed down for approximately four hours.

According to the traffic management center, the only remaining road closure in Fayette County is at the intersection of Rosemont Garden at Southland Drive/Lafayette Parkway, due to a main water break. There are approximately 16 inches of water in the area as a result of the break.

It’s unknown when the area will reopen.

Richmond Road back open. Where are other road closures?

9:36 a.m. — Crews have cleared low-hanging wires from Richmond Road and the road is now back open, according to the traffic management center.

According to the transportation cabinet’s traffic map, the only road closure in Fayette County is the westbound lanes of Paris Pike near the Bourbon County line. There were reports of slick spots and multiple accidents in the area.

The traffic management center’s website reports that the intersection of Rosemont Garden at Southland Drive/Lafayette Parkway is still closed due to a main water break. There’s approximately 16 inches of water in the area as a result of the break.

Slick spots reported near Fayette-Bourbon County line

7:50 a.m. — The inbound side of Paris Pike near the Fayette-Bourbon County line is shut down due to ice buildup, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Salt trucks are en route to the area.

The Lexington Emergency Management Office reported there are multiple accidents in the area, including a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

Richmond Road expected to reopen soon

7:40 a.m. — Low-hanging electrical wires caused Richmond Road to be closed for hours Tuesday morning, but officials with Kentucky Utilities are wrapping up repairs and the road is expected to reopen at any minute, according to Lexington police.

Officials have been on scene since 12:45 a.m. when the report initially came in, according to Lt. Samantha Moore with the Lexington Police Department. Ice accumulation is believed to have been the cause for the low-hanging wires.

Inbound and outbound traffic is being diverted onto Fontaine Road and Shriners Lane. The Lexington Traffic Management Center warned that the diversion roads could get more congested.

Dozens of Kentucky school districts closed Tuesday

7 a.m. - Fayette County and several other central and Eastern Kentucky school districts canceled in-person classes Tuesday due to icy and slick conditions. Fayette County Public Schools will have a non-traditional instruction day.

At least 38 school districts or private schools across Kentucky had canceled in-person classes by 4 a.m., including Woodford, Scott, Clark, Jessamine, Madison and Franklin counties.

Kentucky State University also closed its campus Tuesday due to weather conditions.

Additional city response to freezing weather, ice

6:30 a.m. - All non-weather-related city workers won’t report to work until 10 a.m., the city said. The Lexington Senior Center is open but instructor-led activities are canceled, and lunch will not be served.

The city’s Emergency Winter Weather Plan has been activated and will remain in effect through and including Wednesday morning. Anyone in need of a shelter should call the Lexington Police Department’s non-emergency number at 859-258-3600.

The city said to visit its website for the latest updates about the weather and traveling conditions.