Remember Christmas Eve 2009? City and county leaders from across the greater metropolitan area have updated a regional map that highlights the best route choices for motorists when inclement winter weather strikes.
The map showcases the roadways that individual communities consider their highest priorities during snow and ice storms. The management of roadways may include the spreading of abrasives (sanding), anti-icing applications (salt and chemicals) and snow removal and clearance (plowing).
Organized by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) and focusing on the Oklahoma City Area Regional Transportation Study (OCARTS) area, the snow route identification process involved the interaction of multiple municipal governments and agencies.
The map originated a few years ago from a regional desire to improve public safety. The map is not absolute. It does not reflect potential shortcomings in mechanization, manpower, remediation supplies or time. For example, snowfall can occur so rapidly (like the Christmas Eve blizzard of 2009), that roadway crews, treatment and clearance may not be able to keep up. As a result, the routes on the map indicate the roadways that municipalities realistically intend to treat first. It does not guarantee that the streets will be clear.
City and county leaders encourage motorists to observe winter driving rules and to only drive on snow and ice covered roads when necessary. The snow routes presented are the best routes to take if and when drivers are out in a severe winter weather event.
For more information on winter driving, and to view and download the map, visit www.acogok.org/snow.