By Fox23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — The City of Tulsa has installed the first musical road in the State of Oklahoma as part of the ongoing preparations for the Route 66 Centennial.
“This project is a powerful example of how Oklahoma continues to lead the way in honoring and reimagining the legacy of Route 66,” Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell said. “By blending innovation and tradition, Tulsa’s musical road will give travelers a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the spirit of the Mother Road while drawing visitors from across the country and around the world as we approach this historic centennial.”
Drivers can now hear the iconic “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie play as they drive east toward downtown along the Southwest Boulevard Bridge — but only if they’re going 35 miles per hour.
Musical roads are engineered to produce specific notes when driven across at a certain speed. These roads are made by creating rumble strips at differing intervals into the pavement to create a melody.
“Route 66 is an iconic piece of Tulsa’s identity and what sets our city apart is that we not only honor The Mother Road, but also continue to bring it to life,” Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said. “As we approach the centennial, this new musical road reflects who we are as a city – a place where everyone belongs and where every voice helps shape our story. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality and for bringing a new attraction home to the capital of Route 66.”
This new musical road in Tulsa is part of the official Route 66 Centennial celebration. The project was made possible by a $90,000 grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, the City of Tulsa Planning Office and the Public Works Department.
