The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce have launched a new project to highlight the historic U.S. Route 66 across the state.
The initiative will install 100 pavement markings at 50 locations, celebrating the iconic highway and preparing for its upcoming centennial.
Honoring a Historic Highway
Each marking will feature the classic Route 66 shield design, customized with the name of the local community. The goal is to improve visibility of the route while honoring its role in America’s westward expansion and Oklahoma’s history.
Work has already begun in Bristow and is expected to continue across the state through April, depending on weather conditions. Major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa will each receive four markings.
Funding and Expansion
The project costs about $341,000, funded through a 2024 grant from the Department of Commerce, along with an additional $91,000 contribution from ODOT.
Officials say more communities can apply to add markings beyond the initial 50 locations, though they would need to cover the cost themselves.
What Drivers Should Know
Drivers may experience temporary lane closures or delays as crews install the markings. Officials are urging motorists to stay alert and use caution in work zones.
Why It Matters
Oklahoma has the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the country, making it a key part of the highway’s legacy. The project aims to boost tourism and create a more visible, unified identity for the route across the state.
