The Oklahoma Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 2 the start of a new statewide pavement marking project along historic U.S. Route 66, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The initiative will install 100 official Route 66 pavement markings at 50 locations across Oklahoma, aiming to enhance visibility ahead of the upcoming Centennial celebration.
The project is intended to honor the historical significance of Route 66 and prepare for increased travel along the corridor this year. Each marking will feature the recognizable Route 66 badge and include a customized location name reflecting its specific community.
Work began this week in Bristow and will continue throughout the state, with completion expected by the end of April, weather permitting. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa are scheduled to receive four markings each, while other sites are distributed along the entire Route 66 corridor. The total cost is $341,000, funded primarily by a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in 2024, supplemented by an additional $91,000 contribution from ODOT.
Communities interested in adding more pavement markings beyond those selected can apply through a designated submission form; approved applicants must cover costs for extra installations themselves. Motorists are advised to expect temporary lane closures or minor traffic delays during installation and are encouraged to slow down and exercise caution near work zones.
This effort aims to create consistent and high-visibility identifiers for Route 66 throughout Oklahoma—a state that contains more drivable miles of this iconic highway than any other—reinforcing its importance for both residents and visitors. The department promotes economic development through reliable transportation networks and encourages public involvement in decisions according to its official website.
According to its official website, ODOT focuses on maintaining highways, bridges, railways, waterways, and public transit infrastructure across all counties in Oklahoma. It also provides services such as project planning resources for contractors and tools for traffic data management as detailed on its official website. As stated on its official website, ODOT operates as a state agency handling planning, engineering, and operations within transportation.
