TULSA, Okla. — Since the start of winter weather on Jan. 14, Tulsa brine crews prepared the roads for treacherous conditions.
The City of Tulsa started brining the roads around 8:00 a.m. Sunday, after it snowed throughout the morning and into the afternoon.
More than 200 city employees are working 12-hour shifts around the clock.
Their goal is to make the streets and highways passable as quickly as possible, with the resources they have.
The City said they are responsible for clearing the Gilcrease Expressway minus the Turnpike section, L.L. Tisdale Expressway and all high-traffic arterial roads and city streets.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is responsible for all other highway sections.
The Resources
- 63 trucks mounted with salt spreaders, 48 have mounted snowplows
- Four brine trucks, with snowplows
- Seven 4x4 pick-up trucks with snowplows
- Two motor graders for snowplow use
- More than 200 employees including drivers and support staff
- 6,500 tons of salt and more on the way
- Two salt brine mixing systems, with 25,000 gallons of salt brine
Crews are clearing 36 specific routes, arterial streets being the main focus.
After the target streets are cleared, the city is turning its focus on secondary streets near hospitals, schools and steeper areas of the city.
For a full map of targeted streets, click here.
Snowplow Driving Q&A from City of Tulsa
Q: What streets does the city plow?
A: The city clears all arterial (main) streets, plus the Gilcrease Expressway and the L.L. Tisdale Expressway. Other highway segments are cleared by ODOT.
Q: How far behind a snowplow should I drive?
A: At least 150 feet. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, please be patient, stay back and do not pass.
Q: Can I pass a snowplow?
A: No! Not only do the blades stick out, the trucks can hit blocks of ice or manholes that swerve the plan from side to side.
Q: I see snowplows out, so why aren't they plower?
A: City trucks may be looking for slick spots, spreading salt or returning to the supply yard.
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