Commissioner’s Emergency Meeting Forms County-Wide Snow Route Coalition Oklahoma County, Cities, Join Forces to Form Super Snow Routes for Public Safety

Contact: Commissioner Jim Roth
Phone: (405) 713-1501

Oklahoma County (January 19th, 2006) – Oklahoma City – Today the Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners met in emergency session, along with representatives of Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Edmond, and Choctaw. As a result of today’s discussion, the entities announced the formation of north-to-south and east-to-west “super snow routes” for travel within Oklahoma County.

“Our common goal is to get the citizens of Oklahoma County safely to and from their homes, their churches, and their work safely. The development of these routes, along with the combined effort of all our forces will work to accomplish this goal. We will make sure these roads are cleared to the best of our abilities,” said Board Chair and District One Commissioner Jim Roth.

The North/South county-line to county-line super snow routes are: MacArthur Boulevard from Waterloo Road south to S.E. 59 th; Eastern Avenue/MLK from Waterloo Road south to S.E. 89 th; Sooner Road from US 66/2 nd Street in Edmond to S.E. 89 th (a portion of this road is a state highway); Douglas Road from N.E. 23 rd to S.E. 89 th; Hiwassee Road from Waterloo to S.E. 29 th, Anderson Road from S.E. 29 th to S.E. 89 th, and Choctaw Road from S.E. 29 th to S.E. 89 th; and, Luther Road from Waterloo Road south to N.E. 23 rd, Harrah Road from S.E. 29 th to S.E. 89 th and Peebly Road from N.E. 23 rd south to S.E. 89 tth.

The East/West county-line to county-line super snow routes are: S.E. 29 th Street from Pottawatomie Road west to County Line Road; Reno Avenue from Pottawatomie Road to County Line Road; North 63 rd Street from Choctaw Road to County Line Road; Memorial Road from Pottawatomie Road to County Line Road; Britton Road from Pottawatomie Road to County Line Road; and Covell Road/206 th Street from Westminster Road to County Line Road.

Also included in the super snow routes are all state highways, which is the responsibility of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

In addition to the development of the super snow routes, each jurisdiction will continue to maintain their regular snow routes.

“There were gaps between the various cities and municipalities where someone could be on a snow route and the snow route ended before reaching another jurisdiction’s snow route. We hope to put an end to the confusion with today’s announcement,” said District Two Commissioner Brent Rinehart.

“Everyone came to the table and said ‘what can we do to help’ and by doing so the public is going to be better served with these seamless county-wide snow routes,” said District Three Commissioner Ray Vaughn.

 Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel commented, “We have first hand experience as to what the roads are like and would urge motorists to plan more time for your travel and use caution. I applaud the efforts of all law enforcement agencies within our county and the first responders of EMSA and the various fire departments. They have the toughest job of all.”

Roth concluded by expressing the Board’s appreciation for the interest and cooperation of all jurisdictions within Oklahoma County on behalf of the greater good of the public. “We all serve the same people and we want everyone to be able to conduct their daily business, while keeping their families safe on our roads.”

A map of the super snow routes can be found on Oklahoma County’s website: www.oklahomacounty.org