Tijeras, New Mexico: Route 66 Musical Road
Paid for by the National Geographic Channel for its series, "Crowd Control," in 2014, the road plays part of "America the Beautiful" -- but only if you travel the speed limit: 45 mph. Signs removed and maintenance stopped in 2020, but it's still there. By 2024 someone had hand-made a "Musical Road" sign to mark its position.
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Visitor Tips and News About Route 66 Musical Road
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The rumble strips are to the left of the white line, but are super worn down, so barely makes noise no matter the speed. I'm definitely disappointed.
[Susan, 06/06/2021]The blue musical note sign, announcing the musical road section, is no longer there to mark it. We did find it eventually though.
[Amber, 05/31/2021]I see some comments stating the Musical Road is gone. As of March 1, 2021, it is still at least partially there. There are no more signs indicating where it is or that you must drive 45 mph, but if you watch closely there is a groove that you are supposed to get your right tires onto, and then you can hear the song. I have video of it.
[J Cobb, 03/08/2021]Was able to find it thanks to everyone's tips! Must stay at 45mph. Easier to see the grooves right inside the white line coming from the west. Hope it lasts longer!
[Kylie p, 07/06/2020]Road paved over. Signs are no longer there. I just left there heading west. Apparently NM DOT didnt want to waste taxpayer money to put them back. Very disappointed.
[Jason Linemann, 07/06/2020]According to an NM DOT spokesperson, the cost of restoring the musical road was "outrageous" and the previous state administration never budgeted for maintenance. So when the road got crumbly, it was paved over.
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Route 66 Musical Road
- Address:
- Route 66, Tijeras, NM
- Directions:
- West of town. I-40 exit 170, then drive east about 3.5 miles on Hwy 333/Route 66. Between mileposts 4 and 5, shortly after Route 66 crosses to the south side of I-40. The road is only musical driving eastbound. Look for the "pass with care" sign and a spray-painted spot on the road where the music begins. The rumble strip is narrow and easy to miss with your tire.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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The state took down the sign when it decided to stop maintaining the musical part of the road. People still seek it out.