Which streets does Lexington plow first when it snows? See city’s maintenance map
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lexington ranks streets by traffic, transit and emergency access for plowing.
- Plows target ranked routes first and aim to clear all ranked streets within 24 hours.
- Residents can check the online ranked street map, cameras and Traffic Ticker.
The Lexington area was under a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, and the latest National Weather Service forecast indicates more might be on the way later this week.
By mid-morning Monday, meteorologist Chris Bailey reported some parts of the city had received more than an inch of snow. More colder weather is in the forecast for the later half of the week as a cold front moves in overnight Wednesday, Dec. 10.
If you’re planning your commute, you might be wondering which Fayette County routes get snow plow priority and how to adjust accordingly. Here’s a quick rundown.
Which streets get priority under Lexington’s snow and ice control plan?
According to the city’s snow and ice control plan, Lexington plows roads based on a ranking system with the overall goal of keeping major paths clear.
The criteria is based on traffic volume, but consideration is also given to public transportation access, emergency services and schools. When snow starts falling, plows mobilize with the goal of clearing all ranked streets within 24 hours after it stops. That said, major roads require regular plowing, especially when snow is still falling. That could mean a delay in getting lower-priority streets plowed, like neighborhood roads.
The city’s street-ranking system works as follows:
- Rank 1: Major traffic arteries in and out of Lexington. Think Main Street, Harrodsburg Road, Newtown Pike. Most Rank 1 roads are also snow emergency routes.
- Rank 2: These are important streets that connect Rank 1 roads and provide access to commercial centers, such as offices and stores. Examples include Rosemont Garden and Bryan Avenue.
- Rank 3: These routes connect rank 1 and 2 roads to residential areas. They include roads like Zandale Drive, Appian Way and Buck Lane.
- Rank 4: Streets within subdivisions that allow residents to access main roads.
- Rank 5: Secondary streets that are city-maintained and small neighborhood roads with school bus routes. These are addressed as conditions allow.
The city only plows ranked roads during typical snowfall. Additional roads may be added when the area receives 5 or more inches of snow.
Is your street ranked? Check the official map
The city maintains a street map with designated rankings on its website. You can zoom in or enter your street address for a quick read on how quickly you can expect snow plow service during winter weather.
The fastest way to ensure all ranked streets are plowed is to keep them clear of vehicles. Stalled or disabled vehicles might be towed to allow for plowing. If your vehicle stalled out along a major road and was towed, contact the Lexington Police Department reports desk at 859-258-3563.
How to track Lexington road conditions, traffic updates
The city offers real-time road condition updates through its Traffic Ticker, with reports set to resume Monday at 4 p.m. You can also get updates on X, formerly Twitter, by following LexWrecks.
If it’s snowing and you have to go out, check the city’s network of live camera feeds, which monitor conditions at many intersections 24/7.
Questions about snow and ice removal should be forwarded to LexCall at 311 or 859-425-2255. To submit a service request, you can also fill out a request form online.
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