WHAT BETTER WAY to commemorate a centennial Route 66 drive and the 250th birthday of our nation than to listen to“ America the Beautiful” while rolling through Springfield, Illinois? Thanks to some clever mathematics, you can do that without even needing to turn on your audio system.

Musical roads are stretches of pavement that use precisely measured rumble strips to cause vibrations throughout your vehicle to play a certain tune. One such installation is located on St. Louis Street in Springfield, Illinois. Those driving or riding the road at exactly 30 mph will be greeted by the tune“ America the Beautiful.” Musical roads not only make the journey special; they also encourage travelers to maintain the speed limit, making the roads safer.

A similar musical road playing“ America the Beautiful” at 45 mph was installed near Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2014, and can still be experienced today, although some parts aren’ t as clear as they were when it was first installed. The Route 66 Musical Roads project is seeking to develop multiple installations across all eight states along Route 66, from Illinois to California.

The musical road section in Springfield is just a small stretch of pavement along the nearly 2,500 miles of Route 66, but it’ s one not to be missed. Add it to your Route 66 itinerary, and stay tuned for more Route 66 Musical Roads projects.

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RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / AUGUST 2026 / 13