After difficulty with Winter Storm Fern, Lexington looks for contractor for future ice storms
Winter Storm Fern left inches of snow and ice that proved too much for Lexington’s resources.
The city is now looking to work with companies that have the tools needed to tackle future storms.
On Monday afternoon, Lexington issued a request for proposals for winter storm help from companies with high-grade equipment that is more effective against ice than the plows owned by the city.
“We’re looking for help when we have weather conditions that we do not have the tools to handle – like the ice that paralyzed our streets for two weeks, thanks to an extended period of below freezing temperatures,” Gorton said.
Lexington received 5.5 inches of snow and 1.78 inches of ice. Consecutive days of temperatures below 15 degrees meant the road salt the city used was ineffective 47% of the time, according to the city.
In the event a storm hits before the bid period closes, Lexington has agreements with a national snow removal company for assistance, the city said.
“I think anyone who tried to clear the ice off their sidewalks got an indication of what we were facing on the roads,” Gorton said. “Clearing ice like this takes heavy construction equipment, and a lot of it.”
As frustration with the city’s response grew, Gorton said Lexington staff would conduct a “military-style” review of what went wrong and how the current snow plan could be revised.
That review is already underway.
Gorton is also requesting ideas from residents who have lived in areas with more ice than Lexington traditionally has seen. Residents can email suggestions to mayor@lexingtonky.gov.
