City of Tulsa Prepared for Winter Weather

10/26/2020

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With the sudden temperature changes in recent days from warm to cool and cold, the City of Tulsa has geared up preparations in case Tulsa receives some early winter weather. The Streets and Stormwater Department is watching weather forecasts and conditions to be ready for whenever the first winter storm comes, and for other storms that may occur this season.

The City of Tulsa is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the Gilcrease Expressway, L.L. Tisdale Expressway and all arterial (main) streets. Other highway segments in Tulsa are the responsibility of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

After a snow or ice storm begins, the goal is to make expressways and arterial streets safe and passable as soon as possible. These resources are available to attain this goal:

• 62 truck-mounted salt spreaders
• 4 truck-mounted Liquid Applicator Systems for brine application when appropriate
• 48 truck-mounted snow plows (Of the 62 trucks with spreaders, and 4 trucks with Liquid Applicator Systems, 48 have plows.)
• 7 4x4 pick-up trucks equipped with snow plows
• 3 motor graders for use as plows
• 210 employees (including drivers and support staff)
• Approximately 9,500 tons of salt 
• 2 salt brine mixing systems

Crews are assigned to 35 specific routes totaling 1,770 lane-miles, which is approximately the same distance as driving from Tulsa to San Francisco. Spreading and plowing routes are prioritized based on traffic counts. Once the main streets are cleared and conditions permit, selected residential streets may be treated based on traffic and steepness.

During winter weather response, the first focus is to clear city arterial streets for emergency responders. After arterial streets are clear, the second focus then moves to residential or collector streets near hospitals, schools and areas with steep hills. The following link includes every map and route the City uses for arterial streets, collector streets, schools and steep hills: www.cityoftulsa.org/winterpreparedness

Want to receive updates on emergency weather information and create a disaster plan for your family? Download the free Tulsa Ready App, compatible with Android and iOS systems. For information on City of Tulsa winter storm operations, contact Communications Director Michelle Brooks at (918) 637-8225.

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