March Commission Meeting Wrap-Up: Winter weather expenses, effect on infrastructure discussed; $14.5 million in projects awarded

Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s March 3, meeting include a briefing on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s road-clearing efforts during recent winter storms, approval of multiple resurfacing projects and release of the new 2025-2026 state map.

ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz briefed commissioners on the agency’s response to the recent winter storms characterized by prolonged freezing temperatures with various snow and ice events across the state. Since October 2024, ODOT has spent nearly $12 million on operations and more than 89,000 hours on the winter weather response. That includes using more than 34,000 tons of salt and sand and 824,000 gallons of brine.

“The winter storms we did have this season were demanding and required extended maintenance efforts, which is why we are a little on the high side financially for material and man hours this winter,” Gatz said. “We see a mixed bag of winter weather every year and we appreciate the around-the-clock efforts of our field crews to keep our highway system safe for all Oklahomans.”

Winter weather also impacts infrastructure, particularly striping and exacerbates the potential for potholes. Gatz noted that the repeated freeze-thaw cycle during the winter will contribute to more potholes and cautioned motorists to be alert to more highway maintenance work zones in the coming months.  

Commissioners approved eight contracts during the meeting, among them were six resurfacing projects totally $9.5 million. A combined 40 miles will be repaved spanning across Adair, Craig, Harper, LeFlore, McClain and Ottawa counties. Drivers can view or subscribe to receive traffic advisories by email at www.oklahoma.gov/odot or follow ODOT on X or Facebook.

Commissioners were presented with the new 2025-2026 state map which was unveiled during a joint press conference with Lt. Gov. Pinnell last Monday. The bi-fold map highlights Route 66 in celebration of the Mother Road turning 100 in 2026. The map’s retro design features 20 unique stops along and near the route from Elk City to Miami. Bright reds, greens and blues of the period illustrate the destinations.

Design and development of the state map was a process involving ODOT, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. The maps are free of charge and being distributed to Tourism Welcome Centers statewide this Spring. The map can be viewed on the ODOT website www.oklahoma.gov/odot under Business Center>Map & Data Portal>General Maps.

Gatz touched on the status of the federal funding Continuing Resolution which expires March 14. He is hopeful there will be a full appropriations bill passed before then that will allow the department to move forward with its tentative construction projects.

Commissioners also held a moment of silence for District 7 Oklahoma Transportation Commissioner Stephen J. LaForge who passed away on Friday, Feb. 14. He was a respected leader and passionate advocate for transportation improvements, dedicating his life to serving Oklahoma communities. LaForge was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Stitt in 2019.

The nine-member Oklahoma Transportation Commission, appointed by the governor and legislative leadership to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards contracts monthly for road and bridge construction.

Commissioners voted to award 8 contracts totaling nearly $14.5 million to improve interstates, highways and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at the ODOT Business Center https://oklahoma.gov/odot/business-center/contracts-and-proposals.html.

The next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, April 7. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available on YouTube and vimeo.com/odot.

At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz briefed commissioners on the agency’s response to the recent winter storms characterized by prolonged freezing temperatures with various snow and ice events across the state. Since October 2024, ODOT has spent nearly $12 million on operations and more than 89,000 hours on the winter weather response.

At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz briefed commissioners on the agency’s response to the recent winter storms. He noted that the repeated freeze-thaw cycle during the winter will contribute to more potholes and cautioned motorists to be alert to highway maintenance work zones in the coming months.  

Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz gathered with Lt. Gov. Pinnell and other officials at the State Capitol to reveal the 2025-2026 state map. The bi-fold map highlights Route 66 in anticipation of the Mother Road turning 100 in 2026. Next year, the nation will celebrate the anniversary with a year-long series of events, promotions, concerts and birthday parties from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier.

At the March Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, commissioners were presented with the new 2025-2026 state map. The bi-fold map highlights Route 66 in celebration of the Mother Road turning 100 in 2026. The map’s retro design features 20 unique stops along and near the route from Elk City to Miami. Bright reds, greens and blues of the period illustrate the destinations.