'Allow Plenty Of Time:' ODOT Provides Update On Driving Conditions Friday Morning

Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall have created hazardous road conditions across Oklahoma, prompting caution from transportation officials and ongoing efforts by road crews to treat slick spots and snow-packed highways.

Friday, January 10th 2025, 6:51 am

By: News 9

Drivers across Oklahoma face hazardous conditions Friday morning as freezing temperatures caused slick roads, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

Crews from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation have been working to treat icy areas, but officials are urging extreme caution.

“Bridges and overpasses are a real challenge,” said Mills Leslie with ODOT. “With the temperatures as low as they are, they are the first to freeze. They’re slick. We need drivers to really just take it slow this morning if they have to get out.”

In eastern Oklahoma, snow has compounded the challenges.

ODOT has reported that parts of Interstate 40 in McIntosh County are reduced to a single lane due to heavy snowpack, with some areas in southeastern counties receiving nearly 10 inches of snow.

“There was a lot of snowfall in eastern Oklahoma, and even in far southeastern Oklahoma, Curtin County, LaFleur, a lot of snowfall there, some icy conditions even. So that's been a real challenge,” Leslie said. “ I-40 is probably down to one lane in that area with the snowpack. So drivers will just need to be very careful if they're even planning on traveling that area.”

Semi-trucks have struggled with the conditions, particularly in southeastern Oklahoma, where snow and ice create difficult driving situations.

For drivers in the Oklahoma City metro area, the morning commute is expected to intensify as more vehicles hit the roads. Leslie emphasized caution over known trouble spots, including bridges along I-44 and Lake Hefner Parkway.

“We really just encourage people to slow down. Just take it easy. Don't get in a hurry. Allow plenty of time. And to also avoid and give a lot of room to our snow plows and the trucks on the roadway,” Leslie said.

ODOT crews have been making multiple runs through the metro area to address trouble spots. Despite their efforts, Leslie advised motorists to stay home if possible.

Leslie recommended checking road conditions via ODOT’s website or mobile app for those needing to travel.

“Just stay safe,” Leslie said. “Our crews are doing a great job, but conditions remain challenging.”

Oklahoma drivers can check the latest road conditions on ODOT’s website.