In the small village of Tijeras, New Mexico, an innovative musical road offers a unique auditory experience to drivers who adhere to the speed limit. On a section of historic Route 66, engineers have installed what is known as a "singing road" as a creative way to encourage safe driving speeds. This particular stretch has grooves cut into the asphalt at very specific intervals. When a vehicle drives over these grooves at the correct speed of 45 miles per hour, the vibrations produced by the tires interacting with the grooves translate into the melody of "America the Beautiful."
The concept of musical roads is not exclusive to New Mexico; similar roads can be found in several countries around the world including Japan, South Korea, Denmark, and the United States. However, each has its own unique tune or set of tunes. The Tijeras musical road was brought to life as part of a partnership between the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the National Geographic Channel. The aim was not only to bring a bit of whimsy and surprise to the daily commute but also to promote safety by providing an incentive to drive at the recommended speed limit.
The science behind it is relatively straightforward: the road functions much like a rumble strip, which is generally used to catch the attention of distracted drivers or those veering off course. However, instead of random or abrupt noises, the grooves are engineered precisely to create musical notes at a set speed. The result encourages drivers to maintain the proper speed in order to "play" the song correctly, turning an ordinary drive into an interactive musical journey.
Though some local residents and drivers appreciate this unique integration of art and engineering, and view it as a charming characteristic of their small community and a draw for tourists, others are less impressed, citing the novelty as a potential distraction or even a nuisance if repeatedly driven over. Regardless, the Tijeras musical road remains a unique testament to the ways in which a community can creatively engage its residents and visitors while promoting safety and awareness on the roads.
