Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, March 1 video teleconference meeting include a report on the state’s transportation response to the major winter storm in February and its effect on the highway system, the ongoing modernization initiative involving the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and the year-round effort to educate drivers about important safety practices, including seat belt use. Contracts were awarded for highway projects on SH-9 in Cleveland County, SH-20 in Rogers County, I-35 in Noble County, US-412 in Major County and US-59 in LeFlore County.

Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz briefed commissioners on ODOT and OTA’s response to the major winter storm that affected all areas of Oklahoma in early February and its prolonged effect on highway pavement conditions. Together, the agencies’ crews worked 103,000 total man hours and used nearly 55,000 tons of salt and sand materials on highways, interstates and turnpikes statewide. Gatz noted that the cycle of the ground freezing and thawing along with increased precipitation will contribute to more potholes developing on highways through the spring and summer.

“At this time, there’s no way to know the full extent of the damage to highway pavements caused by the harsh winter, but there is no doubt that drivers will see more potholes and pavement issues in the coming weeks and months,” Gatz said. “Drivers need to be especially alert to highway crews making the repairs and slow down in work zones, whether it’s a small patching operation or a major resurfacing project.”

Gatz spoke about the ongoing Transportation Modernization Initiative, which includes evaluation of the state’s transportation agencies to develop more efficiencies through shared services across ODOT, OTA and OAC, which Gatz oversees as a cabinet secretary. Beginning in March, ODOT and OTA will combine the agencies’ bid lettings for construction contracts into one streamlined process and hold one combined bid opening on March 18.