Lexington Struggles with Snow Removal Compared to Other Cities

Lexington residents report icy roads weeks after winter storm, while other cities take different approaches

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Lexington, Kentucky residents are still dealing with ice-covered roads nearly two weeks after a winter storm, while other cities across the eastern U.S. have responded differently to snow and ice removal. Lexington's snow and ice removal plan focuses on major roads first, but neighborhoods remain covered in thick ice. The city's response has lagged behind other communities, according to the governor. In contrast, Louisville and Rochester, New York have invested in more snow removal equipment and staffing, and have been able to clear roads more quickly.

Why it matters

The comparison of Lexington's snow removal efforts to other cities highlights the challenges municipalities face in effectively clearing roads during major winter storms. Lexington's struggles have led to school closures and disruptions, raising questions about the city's preparedness and ability to respond to extreme weather events.

The details

Lexington's snow and ice removal plan prioritizes the most-traveled roads first, then major connecting streets, collector routes, and local roads. However, neighborhoods are still covered in thick ice, and Fayette County Public Schools have now missed regular instruction for two weeks. In contrast, Louisville invested $3 million in new snow removal equipment, including additional trucks, brine tanks, more staff, and outside contractors who focused on challenging areas. Rochester, New York has a fleet of 200 snow removal vehicles, compared to Lexington's 45 plow trucks. Genesee County, Michigan uses specialized equipment to handle ice, putting down salt and then scraping it off once loosened.

  • The winter storm hit the region nearly two weeks ago.
  • Fayette County Public Schools have now missed regular instruction for two weeks.

The players

Andy Beshear

The governor of Kentucky who expressed disappointment with Lexington's snow and ice removal response, stating the city was lagging behind other communities.

Bill Bell

The Transportation Director for Louisville, Kentucky who said preparation and additional resources made the difference in their snow removal efforts.

Karen St. Aubin

The Environmental Services Director for Rochester, New York, one of the snowiest large cities, who said their crews are confident in their snow removal skills and follow a comprehensive plan.

Kylie Dontje

A representative from the road commission in Genesee County, Michigan, which includes the city of Flint, who described their specialized equipment and techniques for handling ice.

Linda Gorton

The mayor of Lexington, Kentucky who issued a statement saying the city plans to hire a contractor who can handle an ice storm and is planning a meeting to review its response to the snowstorm.

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What they’re saying

“We met in June, July, basically every month until the flakes started falling in December.”

— Bill Bell, Transportation Director

“They were doing some intersection cleanup, turn lane cleanup, they did some routes that were off of the snow map as well.”

— Bill Bell, Transportation Director

“After three inches of snow has fallen, we go into our residential [areas], which are completed by contractors and city staff. After four inches of snowfall, we do a supplemental sidewalk run to assist with the responsibility of the homeowners or property owners.”

— Karen St. Aubin, Environmental Services Director

“We will put down salt, let it do its job for a little while, and then we have blades that are underneath the plow truck and that will scrape it off once it's loosened up.”

— Kylie Dontje, Road Commission Representative

What’s next

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said the city plans to hire a contractor who can handle an ice storm and is planning a meeting to review its response to the snowstorm.

The takeaway

The comparison of Lexington's snow removal efforts to other cities highlights the importance of proactive planning, investment in equipment and staffing, and a comprehensive approach to clearing roads during major winter storms. Lexington's struggles have disrupted schools and daily life, underscoring the need for municipalities to be better prepared for extreme weather events.