On a recent trip to one of the state's most historic establishments in one of the state's most historic towns, I encountered one of the most recognizable parts of our roadways.
OK. I'll make it a little clearer.
With apologies to my cardiologist, we were making a run to Okarche for fried chicken. I bet you know the spot.
It was easy to picture that bird, prepared with sliced bread, onions and pickles, and, yes, Mom, I had fried okra.
What I wasn't prepared for were the big potholes on the early part of my trip.
In the early portion of the little better than 21 miles between State Highway 74 and Okarche on Waterloo Road, we encountered some real tire-poppers.
Chassis-crushers. Frame-benders. I mean, these things could just about swallow a sport-utility vehicle.
Well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. But you sure wouldn't want to drive into one in a minicar.
Recent rain and flooding had left major problems on a roadway damaged by normal wear and made even worse by the heavy ice storm last December.
This is no slam at county road crews. It's an example of how Oklahoma roads have been picked apart by weather conditions.
You've heard transportation experts, as well as city and county officials, talk about the conditions of the roads when severe weather occurs. Here's your proof.
Even when there is money to pay for the repairs, this is going to take some time. And it's not just on that portion of that road.
Several readers have written or called about road deterioration in locales throughout the state where weather hit hard.
County and state road budgets will be stretched, possibly beyond what can be afforded. So be prepared for a lengthy process.
By the way ...
Yes, I know there are other routes to and from Okarche. In fact, we took another one home, traveling through Piedmont. No problem there.
In fact, there was no problem after we turned east there and until we approached the Oklahoma City outskirts.
After two detours and another construction project, I decided I think this week we might just stay home.
Enjoy your week and drive safely.
