Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Traffic Advisory Update for noon Wednesday (Feb. 27, 2013)

**Corrected**
Road Conditions Update 2-27-13 – 12 p.m.

The consistent work of ODOT crews is paying off in northwest Oklahoma. Crews have been able to open more highways in Ellis and Woodward counties.

The following highways are currently closed as of 12 p.m.:  

• 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.
• Ellis Co: SH-46 between Gage and the Harper county line.
• Ellis Co: SH-15 between US-283 and the Texas state line.
• Beaver Co: SH-23 is closed between US-64 and the Kansas State line.
• Beaver Co: SH-23 is closed between Elmwwod and the Texas state line
• Beaver Co: US-83 is open, but areas of one lane between Turpin and the Texas state line.
• Woodward Co: SH-50 is closed within Woodward County.

Crews in northwest Oklahoma are plowing to open roadways to traffic. Travel is still discouraged in this area. Crews will continue clearing efforts until all highways are clear.

In western Oklahoma, highways are mostly clear, but slick spots may be present. Crews are sanding and salting areas and clearing roadways as needed. 
 
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.  

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