The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) today released the first visual renderings of the upcoming Toby Keith Expressway, a new stretch of highway that will run near the late country star’s hometown. The artwork, designed in partnership with the Oklahoma Arts Council, incorporates a procession of horses across the overpass and stamps Toby Keith’s initials onto stylized guitar‑pick panels supporting the roadway.
Family members help shape the tribute
Krystal Keith, the singer’s daughter, attended the unveiling and explained that the OTA team asked the family if they could “autobahn it” – a nod to making the expressway a first‑of‑its‑kind tribute corridor before it opens to the public. Her brother, Stelen Covel, also shared that he was involved in selecting the design themes. “We worked through a bunch of different options, and the guitar pick was definitely one that we really liked, as were the horses,” Covel said.
Connecting Oklahoma’s heritage and the highway
According to OTA officials, the artwork will be most visible at the Interstate 35 interchange, though the design could be replicated on other turnpike sections as they are built. The horse motif reflects Toby Keith’s well‑known love of horse racing and the state’s Wild West heritage, while the guitar‑pick elements celebrate his musical legacy.
Last month, OTA approved a $5 million partnership with the Oklahoma Arts Council to integrate public art into the ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike system. The Toby Keith Expressway will be the first project under that agreement, marking a significant collaboration between transportation officials and the state’s cultural community.
Why the tribute matters to Oklahomans
For many Oklahomans, Toby Keith represented a proud, home‑grown voice in country music. His songs often highlighted small‑town values, patriotism, and the state’s rugged spirit. By embedding his likeness and symbols of his life into the highway’s architecture, OTA hopes to give daily commuters a “special little bit” of remembrance, as Krystal Keith put it.
“Seeing his name on it is going to just be a special little bit every day that we get on it,” she added. The family expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the process, noting that the tribute feels like a lasting testament to their father’s impact on both music and Oklahoma culture.
Looking ahead
Construction of the Toby Keith Expressway is ongoing, with completion expected in the next few years. Once finished, drivers traveling I‑35 will pass beneath the horse‑filled overpass and see the guitar‑pick motifs, turning a routine commute into a moment of state pride.
OTA officials said the project underscores the agency’s broader commitment to integrating art and community identity into Oklahoma’s transportation network, a goal that aligns with the state’s tradition of honoring its cultural icons while improving infrastructure for families and businesses alike.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
