Travelers take to roads for Fourth

July 02, 2009 12:49 am

— Several hundred thousand people are expected on Oklahoma roads with a hot Independence Day weekend beckoning people to the lake, river or fireworks displays.
That means motorists should watch out for other drivers and for road crews.
An Oklahoma AAA media release projects about 415,300 Oklahomans will drive 50 or more miles from home over the weekend, down 4 percent from 2008.
“Many Americans remain cautious about the outlook for their personal finances, and these attitudes are reflected in the slight decline in the level of travel we are forecasting for the upcoming holiday weekend,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “Those who do vacation this summer will find plenty of attractive discounts and special offers resulting in some outstanding vacation values. If you can afford to go, this summer is a very smart time to travel.”
Oklahoma gas prices remain among the lowest in the nation and have dropped 11 cents over the past 10 days, the AAA said. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report said the state average for self-serve regular is about $2.43 cents per gallon, with prices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa averaging a nickel lower than that.
Missouri continues to have a lower statewide gas price, averaging $2.41 per gallon for regular, the report said.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said troopers will be out in full force to make sure motorists drive safely.
“Alcohol offenses, speeding and restraint violations have always been leading causes of fatality collisions during the summer months,” OHP spokesman Chris West. “That is why we focus so much of our resources on these violations.
Oklahoma is one of several states participating in Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), a nationwide campaign to reduce fatalities during holiday periods.
“Troopers from all over the country will be patrolling roadways, targeting speeders, drunk drivers and seat belt violators.”
The Oklahoma Highway Safety office reported six fatalities and 348 injuries in crashes during the July 4 holiday in 2008. All crashes involving fatalities were alcohol-related.
People heading out of town this weekend could expect a few road impairments.
The U.S. 62 bridge over the Arkansas River just east of the Muskogee Turnpike remains one lane both directions.
Mickie Bennett, field manager for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Muskogee office, also noted these traffic conditions:
Interstate 40 is narrowed to one lane in both directions from U.S. 266 to three miles west of Oklahoma 2 between Checotah and Warner.
U.S. 69 south of Peak Boulevard is narrowed to one lane in each direction
South toward McAlester, northbound and southbound lanes on U.S. 69 are narrowed north of the Indian Nation Turnpike.
Crews also are widening and resurfacing Oklahoma 82 from Keys to Oklahoma 100 in Cherokee County.
The July 4 weekend also means congestion on area lakes. Kurt McKean, lieutenant with the OHP Lake Patrol Division, said boaters must use caution and observe navigation rules.
One drowning occurred in the 2008 Independence Day period, and it was alcohol related.

Fourth of July events

• Freedom Celebration, 5 p.m. to after fireworks display, featuring inflatable toys, water elements, Branson-style shows, fireworks. First Assembly of God, 3100 Gulick St.
• Burgers and ice cream, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Porum Landing Fire Station, 5 1/2 miles west of Porum on Texanna Road. Proceeds benefit the volunteer fire department.
• 40th annual Eufaula Fireworks spectacular, Lake Eufaula Cove.
• Wagoner Celebration with inflatables and concessions beginning at 4:30 p.m. with fireworks at dusk, Maple Park.
• 4th at the Fort, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fort Gibson Stockade.
• July 4 Blowout, Greenleaf State Park, canoe races, boat rides, campfire.
• Fireworks at Lake Tenkiller State Park, dusk.
• Checotah’s Independence Day celebration, 6 p.m. to after dusk. Hear bluegrass music by Spring Street, family fun and games with fireworks at dusk, downtown Checotah.

Holiday closings

Although July Fourth falls on a Saturday this year, many offices will be closed Friday.

Here’s a list of those closed Friday, unless otherwise noted:
• Muskogee County offices.
• VA Regional Office.
• Federal offices.
• Muskogee City Hall.
• Muskogee County Health Department.
• Sanitation: Commercial routes will not run on Friday. There will be no yard waste pick up for this week.
• Fort Gibson tag agent.
• Muskogee tag agent.
• Rural Water District #5 Muskogee Co.
• Phoenix business offices.
The Muskogee Post Office and Muskogee County Transit will be open Friday. The Muskogee Public Library will be open Friday but closed Saturday.
Banks and financial institutions will be open Friday but closed Saturday.
The City of Muskogee recycle drop-off center will be closed Saturday.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email

Photos

The U.S. 62 bridge over the Arkansas River will remain one lane in both directions through the holiday weekend as workers continue to make repairs. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected on Oklahoma roads for the Fourth of July weekend.