A dump truck filled with storm debris collected from along U.S. 60 in Livingston County dumps its load Wednesday at a huge brush pile near Burna set afire and attended to by contractors hired by the state to clean along state highways.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers estimate that debris removal contractors have covered about a third of their assigned road miles in Kentucky's 12 westernmost counties, which make up Department of Highways District 1. Crittenden and Livingston counties are included in District 1.
This week engineers expect the district to surpass more than 900,000 cubic yards of material picked up.
With crews just over four weeks into the storm debris collection process, Cabinet Chief District Engineer Jim LeFevre says crews need some additional assistance from the public.
"We've had a number of locations where property owners have stacked debris along state highway right of way that crews have been unable to reach with their equipment," LeFevre said. "If crews have been through your neighborhood and your pile was left behind, we're asking that you move it closer to the edge of the roadway to allow crews to reach it safety."
Due to different types of equipment being used by various contractors and right of way obstacles like ditches, embankments, and utility lines, some piles could not be picked up. LeFevre emphasized that homeowners should be aware of safety issues when placing piles near roadways. Debris stacked near intersections or driveways can obstruct the view of oncoming traffic.
"This is a balancing act. We need the debris to be close enough to the roadway to be reached by the contractors without the piles becoming a hazard or hindrance to traffic," LeFevre said.
Contracts for the debris removal work conclude on April 6. LeFevre says those contracts will be extended to allow contractors time to complete their work.
District 1 Public Information Officer Keith Todd reminds motorists to do their part to maintain the safety of debris crews by slowing down and being alert for the many work zones scattered across the district.
This week engineers expect the district to surpass more than 900,000 cubic yards of material picked up.
With crews just over four weeks into the storm debris collection process, Cabinet Chief District Engineer Jim LeFevre says crews need some additional assistance from the public.
"We've had a number of locations where property owners have stacked debris along state highway right of way that crews have been unable to reach with their equipment," LeFevre said. "If crews have been through your neighborhood and your pile was left behind, we're asking that you move it closer to the edge of the roadway to allow crews to reach it safety."
Due to different types of equipment being used by various contractors and right of way obstacles like ditches, embankments, and utility lines, some piles could not be picked up. LeFevre emphasized that homeowners should be aware of safety issues when placing piles near roadways. Debris stacked near intersections or driveways can obstruct the view of oncoming traffic.
"This is a balancing act. We need the debris to be close enough to the roadway to be reached by the contractors without the piles becoming a hazard or hindrance to traffic," LeFevre said.
Contracts for the debris removal work conclude on April 6. LeFevre says those contracts will be extended to allow contractors time to complete their work.
District 1 Public Information Officer Keith Todd reminds motorists to do their part to maintain the safety of debris crews by slowing down and being alert for the many work zones scattered across the district.
