There aren’t many opportunities for equipment operators of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 to train, explore, be entertained and compete all in the same setting.
But the Kenlake State Resort Park Tennis Center in Marshall County provided just the space Wednesday morning, when scores of skilled road employees from west Kentucky rolled through four timed and measured events at the 2022 KYTC District 1 “Road-eo.”
Those events included an obstacle course run for both a tractor/mower and a snowplow, a precision run with a John Deere 672GP Motor Grader, and a backhoe test — in which the user had to lift golf balls out of a sandbox, and drop them into small buckets.
And there were more than bragging rights on the line. First and second-place winners of each event advance to state competition, and from there have chances to push for state, regional and national recognition.
Keith Todd, KYTC District 1 spokesman, noted it was a safe and controlled environment to work through these scenarios — which often arise in the real world.
Jimmy Treas, HT Superintendent for McCracken County, said the conclave helps build the work confidence of both new and long-time employees.
But Treas added that these “games,” similar to Olympic events, can also serve as a proving grounds for those looking to handle other tasks within their respective road departments.
Treas, himself, has been to Arkansas and West Virginia for regional competition — which pits operators against the best of the best in things like snowplow slalom, zero-point turning, grading roads and the like.
These are extremely important skills for a number of reasons. Imagine navigating rural and secondary roads in west Kentucky in a multi-ton truck with a giant blade across the front of it. Many a mailbox have received a close shave or two over the years. Paved roads are smooth because of graders, and regional drivers want those done in a timely, convenient fashion. Backhoe technicians must operate within centimeters, lest they hit critical infrastructure like gas and electric lines. Mowers along interstates and right of way must wiggle around guard rails while staying out of oncoming traffic.
Todd has operated some heavy machinery in his time, and even he says the snowplow can be the most daunting of tasks.
Treas added that Tuesday’s gathering helped bring about more camaraderie and understanding of other jobs.
Winners of the events will be announced later this week.
