Lexington seeks emergency contractor after winter storm ice response challenges
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington leaders are looking at new ways to respond faster and more effectively when ice storms hit the city, following the challenges crews faced during Winter Storm Fern.
Mayor Linda Gorton announced Monday that the city has issued a request for proposals seeking a contractor who could step in during major winter emergencies to help clear streets and manage heavy snow and ice removal. According to the mayor’s office, the goal is to bring Lexington “to a new level of emergency response” when conditions overwhelm current resources.
“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,” Gorton said in a release.
City officials say the winter storm’s most significant impacts lasted from January 24 through February 3, when prolonged below-freezing temperatures made it difficult for traditional treatments to work. The mayor’s office said rock salt spread on roads was ineffective nearly half the time because temperatures fell below 15 degrees — the threshold where salt typically stops melting ice efficiently.
Under the proposed plan, a contractor would bring in heavy construction equipment capable of breaking up and removing thick ice — something city crews say is difficult to handle with standard snow removal tools. The contractor could also be called in for other disasters, including clearing debris after tornadoes.
While the bidding process moves forward, the city says it has already secured commitments from a national and a regional emergency snow removal company to provide assistance if another major storm hits before a permanent contract is finalized.
At the same time, Lexington has launched what Gorton described as a “military-style” after-action review to evaluate how the city responded to the recent storm. The mayor acknowledged frustrations from residents over how long it took to clear streets and said officials want to learn what worked — and what didn’t.
Last year, the Urban County Council approved an additional $3.5 million investment in snow removal equipment and increased the winter operations budget after a previous ice storm. Gorton said those steps improved the city’s ability to handle snow but weren’t enough to address the severity of the ice event this winter.
As part of the review, city leaders are also asking residents — especially those who have experience living in areas where ice storms are common — to share suggestions by emailing mayor@lexingtonky.gov. The mayor’s office says about 50 people have already submitted ideas.
The request for proposals is now being advertised, and companies have until March 10 to submit bids.
