Tulsa Crews Pre-Treat Roads Ahead Of Expected Sleet And Snow

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Which Roads are Being Pre-Treated?

City crews are prioritizing the pre-treatment of key roadways to ensure the safest possible travel conditions during the impending Tulsa snow. This Tulsa road treatment focuses on several critical areas:

• Major Highways: Interstates and major arteries like Highway 75, Highway 169, and Highway 244 are receiving top priority for pre-treatment, as these routes carry the highest volume of traffic.
• Bridges and Overpasses: These structures are particularly vulnerable to icing due to exposure to the elements. Bridge de-icing is a crucial component of the Tulsa road treatment plan, aiming to prevent dangerous black ice formation.
• Steep Inclines and Hills: These areas present increased risk of accidents during winter conditions. Pre-treatment focuses on improving traction and safety on these challenging inclines.
• Primary Arterials and Secondary Roads: While major highways receive top priority, the city is also treating a significant portion of its primary and secondary road network, ensuring wider coverage for safer travel throughout Tulsa.

The pre-treatment routes are strategically chosen to maximize their impact and improve overall road safety.

What Materials are Used for Pre-Treatment?

The city is employing a multi-pronged approach to road pre-treatment, utilizing various materials to combat the expected sleet and snow:

• Brine Solution: This is a mixture of salt and water, applied several days before the anticipated storm. Brine is particularly effective in preventing snow and ice from bonding to the road surface.
• Road Salt: Applied after the brine, road salt lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation. The city is carefully managing its road salt usage, mindful of environmental impact.
• Sand Application: In areas prone to significant icing, sand provides additional traction, improving tire grip and reducing skidding.

The city is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its winter road maintenance. Methods are carefully considered to reduce the amount of materials used while maintaining road safety.

Timeline and Expected Impact of Pre-Treatment

Pre-treatment operations commenced [Insert Start Time] and are expected to continue until [Insert Estimated Completion Time]. The goal is to complete pre-treatment of all priority roads before the onset of the sleet and snow.

While pre-treatment significantly improves road conditions, drivers should still anticipate:

• Potential Delays: Due to reduced speed limits and increased caution, travel times may be longer than usual.
• Temporary Lane Closures: Lane closures may occur during pre-treatment operations in some areas. Drivers should follow all traffic advisories and adjust their routes as needed.
• Reduced Visibility: Sleet and snow will inevitably reduce visibility, so drivers should increase following distances and use headlights.

This Tulsa traffic update aims to keep motorists informed and prepared for any travel conditions.

Safety Precautions for Drivers During Sleet and Snow

Driving in sleet and snow requires extra caution. Before setting out, drivers should:

• Check the Tulsa Weather Forecast: Stay updated on the latest winter weather advisories and anticipated road conditions.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include items like blankets, extra warm clothing, food, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.
• Drive Slowly and Carefully: Reduce speed significantly, increase following distances, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
• Avoid Distracted Driving: Focus solely on driving in these challenging conditions.

Safe winter driving tips are essential to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. By following these precautions, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of accidents during this Tulsa winter weather.

Stay Safe and Informed During Tulsa's Winter Weather

The City of Tulsa is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents during this winter weather event. The proactive pre-treatment of roads is a crucial component of the city's winter storm preparation. However, driver safety remains paramount. By following safe winter driving tips and staying informed about road conditions, you can contribute to a safe and smooth transition through this period. Stay informed about Tulsa's snow and sleet preparations and plan your travel accordingly. Check the city's website for the latest updates on road conditions and winter weather alerts.