ODOT crews prepare statewide ahead of forecasted winter storm
ODOT is actively preparing for a winter storm expected to impact the state beginning Friday. Because each storm is different and much of the winter weather in the state can quickly shift between ice, sleet or snow, ODOT proactively monitors weather conditions closely to determine the best plan of action for each storm. Pre-treatment operations are already underway to help improve safety on highways and interstates. Crews will continue to monitor conditions ahead of the expected inclement weather.
ODOT is responsible for maintaining more than 30,000 lane miles of state roadways, while city streets and county roads are maintained by local jurisdictions. Crews will be operating 24/7 during and after the storm until roadways are clear and safe for travel.
Statewide winter resources for ODOT include more than 500 multi-use trucks, including approximately 50 in Oklahoma City and 25 in Tulsa. More than 128,000 tons of salt and sand/salt mix are stored at maintenance yards across Oklahoma.
Preparations currently underway include an all-hands-on-deck approach, with maintenance crews on standby and supervisors closely monitoring weather and road conditions. Highways and interstates already have or are being pretreated with salt brine ahead of the storm, which helps prevent ice from bonding to pavement when conditions allow. Pretreatment reduces, but does not eliminate, icy conditions. Trucks are ready to deploy salt and salt/sand mixtures to improve traction and melt ice. Additional trucks and materials are staged and available if conditions worsen. Drivers are always reminded to drive mindfully when weather conditions may impact their routes and avoid unnecessary travel.
REMEMBER during snowy and icy conditions, motorists are asked to:
- Stay informed on the weather; avoid unnecessary travel
- If you must travel, drive for those conditions and buckle up
- Don’t use cruise control during inclement weather, keep control of your vehicle
- Be aware of “black ice” which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice
- Stay about 200 feet behind trucks; allow crews room to maneuver and spread materials
ODOT urges motorists to carefully consider the necessity of travel during winter weather and, if travel is necessary, drive for conditions and allow extra space between vehicles. Do not crowd or pass snowplows and stay at least 200 feet back (four to five school bus lengths). Bridges and overpasses often become slick first, especially overnight and early mornings. Drivers should allow for extra travel time and remain alert in work zones where lanes may be narrowed. Those who must travel should carry emergency supplies, including blankets, water, snacks and a charged cell phone.
Each winter storm behaves differently, and conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Even after precipitation ends, crews may continue working for several days due to refreezing.
ODOT works closely with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to monitor conditions and allocate resources where they are needed most. Drivers are reminded that stranded or abandoned vehicles can significantly slow roadway treatment efforts.
Drivers are encouraged to check with destinations in advance to confirm closures or delays. Motorists traveling out of state are urged to check road conditions for neighboring states before departure.
- Visit www.okroads.org for current road conditions and access to more than 596 snowplow cameras (outside metro areas).
- Download the Drive Oklahoma mobile app.
- Call 844-4OK-HWYS (844-465-4997).
- Visit oksnowplows.org to track our newly named plows.
Currently, forecasts indicate this winter weather event may continue through the weekend and conclude by Sunday. ODOT will issue additional updates as conditions evolve.