Could Michigan’s Roads Soon Sing Like Oklahoma’s Musical Highway

Michigan should be the next to install a musical road, after Oklahoma recently installed a road with rumble strips that, if driven on properly, will produce a song as your tires run over them.

Michigan would be a great state to be second in line to have something like this. The musical road that was recently established was in the State of Oklahoma as part of their preparations for the Route 66 Centennial.

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Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell commented on the project, which he says is a one-of-a-kind experience:

This project is a powerful example of how Oklahoma continues to lead the way in honoring and reimagining the legacy of Route 66. 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.

For drivers who aren't immediately annoyed by the sound of rumble strips, they will be driving to the tune of “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie, played as they drive east toward downtown along the Southwest Boulevard Bridge. 

There's a catch to it, though; the stripes will only be playable if they’re driving 35 miles per hour. 

How Do They Get Rumble Strips To Produce Songs?

As Fox 23 explains:

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. 

Should Michigan Install A Musical Road?

I think because of our history of Gibson Guitars, Motown & Detroit Rock City, we should also install a musical road. But what song would we have the road play? An Obvious choice would be a Bob Seger song like "Turn The Page" would be a good fit. Even the White Stripes anthem "7 Nation Army" would make sense.

Or you could take it further back with "My Girl" from The Temptations or "I Want You Back" from The Jacksons.

You can watch a video of the rumble strip song below: