ODOT outlines winter-storm response, previews $33 million State Highway 33 shoulders project and Route 66 events

Director Gatz used the director’s report to summarize federal funding outlook, the department’s winter-storm response and upcoming major projects.

On federal funding, Gatz said ODOT is monitoring appropriations activity in the U.S. House and does not anticipate changes to spring plans as bills move through Congress.

On operations, Gatz said, “Since Monday, January 19, ODOT spent about $7,700,000 on our winter weather response.” He enumerated material and labor: about 44,000 tons of salt and sand, more than 50000 field hours, and roughly $2.5 million in material costs; district usage included District 4 at about 13,000 tons and District 6 at about 182,000 gallons of brine. Gatz noted multiple agency and contractor vehicles were struck during operations and urged motorists to slow down and give plows room.

Gatz previewed a major shoulders and resurfacing project on State Highway 33 near Kingfisher — a roughly $33,000,000 project covering about 9 miles east of US‑81 with an expected late‑spring start and about 18 months of work. "Getting shoulders on that thing will enhance and improve the safety of the traveling public," he said. Gatz also announced an April in‑person Mother Road Summit tied to the Route 66 Centennial Commission and a ribbon cutting for a Route 66 plaza timed with that event.

Commissioners offered public thanks to ODOT field crews for storm response. The director said some assets will remain deployed for refreeze control and that pothole impacts will persist into spring as thaw/refreeze cycles reveal pavement damage. Gatz encouraged use of the Drive Oklahoma app and ODOT snow-plow cameras for travel planning.

Next steps: ODOT will continue winter operations and asset repairs, proceed with procurement and design steps for State Highway 33, and provide updates on federal funding and the Route 66 summit as details are finalized.