Traffic Advisory Update, Oklahoma Department of Transportation

February 26, 2013

Road Conditions Update 2-26-13 – 4:30 p.m.

In western and northwestern Oklahoma, crews have made a lot of improvements with snow and ice removal, however some highways still remain closed.

The following highways are currently closed as of this afternoon:  

• Alfalfa Co: SH-45 is closed between the Garfield county line and SH-8 in Alfalfa County.  
• Garfield Co: SH-132 one mile south of the Grant county line due to downed power lines.
• Grant Co: US-81 between Medford and Pond Creek.
• Noble Co: SH-15 is closed between US-77 and I-35 in Noble County.
• Harper Co: US-183 from US-64 north into Kansas
• Harper Co: SH-149 closed within Harper County
• Harper Co: SH-46 closed within Harper County
• Harper Co: US-64 closed between US-283 and the Beaver county line.
• Ellis Co: All highways closed.
• Beaver Co: All highways closed.
• Woodward Co: All highways closed.

Crews in northwest Oklahoma are reporting slick and hazardous roadways and are treating roads and plowing. Travel is discouraged in this area. Although crews made progress throughout the day, blowing snow and refreezing could impede clearing efforts.

In western Oklahoma, highways are mostly clear, but there are still slick spots. Crews are sanding and salting areas and clearing roadways as needed. Even though there are sections of dry roadways in the area, please use extreme caution as there are still slick spots in the area. 
 
Thirty counties received heavy snow, some up to 20 inches. Approximately 500 – 600 ODOT Personnel have been working 24/7 to clear the roads. Crews have been shifted from unaffected parts of the state to help out in the harder hit areas.  

There are 550 trucks available statewide, including 60 in the Oklahoma City metro area and more than 40 in the Tulsa metro area. Sand and salt sheds are stocked and crews remain ready to respond to conditions.

During snow and/or ice conditions, motorists are asked to:
·        Check road conditions before getting out on the roads.
·        Stay at least 200 feet behind road-clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.
·        Allow extra space between vehicles, so there is adequate distance for braking in wet and icy conditions.
·        Be aware of “black ice,” which looks wet on the roadway, but is actually a thin layer of ice.
·        Please be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time to reach destinations

Out-of-State Road Conditions
Arkansas           800-245-1672
Colorado           303-639-1111
Kansas             866-511-5368
Missouri           800-222-6400
New Mexico         800-432-4269
Oklahoma           888-425-2385
Texas              800-452-9292

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS, call the Department of Public Safety’s ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 888-425-2385.  

Thank you for joining our conversation on Oklahoma Weather Blog. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.