The contest, now in its 35th year, introduced the “Keep Our Land Grand” theme and drew nearly 2,200 entries from close to 200 schools across 67 counties. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade across public, private, charter, tribal, home school, and correctional education programs participated, expanding the reach of the message into communities connected to the same highways drivers depend on.

Fifteen students earned recognition across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional awards. Winners received top honors and cash prizes, including $300 for first place and the Promotional Poster of the Year.

Kindergarten through Second Grade

• First Place: Josephine C., 2nd Grade, Pittsburg County
• Second Place: Hallie H., 1st Grade, McClain County
• Third Place: Eilee K., 1st Grade, McCurtain County

Third through Fifth Grade

• First Place: Anamaria S., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
• Second Place: Maria W., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
• Third Place: Ruth E., 5th Grade, Cleveland County

Sixth through Eighth Grade

• First Place: Westley G., 6th Grade, Bryan County
• Second Place: Sadie B., 7th Grade, McCurtain County
• Third Place: Sutton L., 6th Grade, Bryan County

Ninth through Twelfth Grade

• First Place: Lailey I., 12th Grade, Marshall County
• Second Place: Franchesca L. V., 12th Grade, Love County
• Third Place: Emily E., 12th Grade, Woodward County

Promotional Art

• Entry Form Poster: Layla K., 7th Grade, Comanche County
• Postcard: Isabella W., 12th Grade, McClain County
• Promotional Poster: Rilyn T., 11th Grade, Bryan County

Winners were recognized during an April 15 ceremony and honored at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Their artwork will be featured in ODOT’s 2027 calendar, which is set for release in December and will be distributed across the state and beyond, keeping the message visible to residents, travelers, and commercial drivers throughout the year.

For drivers, roadside litter is more than an appearance issue. Debris can damage tires, create unsafe lane conditions, and increase cleanup operations that affect traffic flow. Programs like this are designed to influence long-term habits, encouraging cleaner roads that benefit everyone using them.

“This program empowers students to use creativity to be part of the solution,” said Rhonda Fair, director of community engagement for ODOT. “The transition to the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest reflects that vision, giving students a bigger platform to share their creativity and inspire all Oklahomans to keep our state clean and beautiful.”

The next Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest is scheduled to begin in early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026. The program will continue using student artwork to promote litter-free highways and reinforce safer road conditions across Oklahoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest?
It is an annual student art contest organized by ODOT to promote litter-free highways and communities across Oklahoma.

How many students participated in 2026?
Nearly 2,200 students from almost 200 schools across 67 counties entered the contest.

How many winners were selected?
Fifteen students across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional award winners.

What do winners receive?
Cash prizes, recognition, and placement in statewide materials, including the ODOT calendar.

When does the next contest begin?
Early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026.

Cleaner highways depend on consistent effort from everyone on the road. Programs like this extend that responsibility beyond drivers and into the communities connected to the same routes.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 29, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Oklahoma DOT Student Art Contest Highlights Effort to Keep Highways Clear appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), along with its contractors, has worked tirelessly to stabilize the highway and reopen a portion of it. Efforts focused on fortifying the remaining westbound lanes, making it possible to facilitate travel for residents and businesses once again.

Source: NCDOT

Official Statement from NCDOT

Wanda Payne, NCDOT Division 14 Engineer, explained, “We are happy to have this open for the people who depend on a connected transportation system between North Carolina and Tennessee. This opening improves the flow of people, goods and services between our two states and between locations far beyond Haywood County.”

Key Details on the Reopened Stretch

The reopened stretch spans approximately 12 miles, connecting Cold Springs Creek Road (Exit 7) in North Carolina with Big Creek Road (Exit 447) in Tennessee. Restoration efforts in Tennessee have also contributed to making this section passable. However, these are not typical interstate conditions—be prepared for some changes:

• Lanes are narrower, and shoulder areas are smaller than usual.

• A 35-mph speed limit is enforced across this segment.

• A 9-inch by 9-inch concrete barrier divides opposing lanes of traffic.

• Emergency access points allow EMS vehicles to reach the area if needed.

• An emergency-only lane has been designated on the eastbound side.

• Standard 18-wheelers can travel the corridor, but wide loads are prohibited.

Travel Tips and Advisories

Traveling through the Pigeon River Gorge corridor will come with challenges due to these temporary changes. Officials warn drivers to expect delays during peak traffic times, especially Friday through Sunday afternoons and holiday weekends.

Alternate Route Recommendations:

For those looking to bypass potential congestion, NCDOT suggests taking I-26 from Asheville to Kingsport, Tennessee, and then continuing on I-81 South back to I-40.

Tractor-Trailer Advisory:

Standard tractor-trailers are allowed to pass through the reopened section, but drivers are cautioned that many GPS apps might incorrectly suggest alternate routes within the gorge. These options are not available for tractor-trailers beyond Exit 20 (U.S. 276). Wide loads must detour via I-77 and I-81 to connect between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Moving Forward

Drivers traveling between North Carolina and Tennessee or passing through the affected corridor are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly. While this reopening is a critical step forward, patience and caution will remain essential as repairs continue.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post I-40 Partially Reopened After Five-Month Shutdown appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Key Restrictions to Note

Though vehicles are now able to move, the interstate remains inaccessible to oversized loads that are more than 12 feet wide.

In a recent update on Facebook, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) stated:

“From MM 39 to MM 40, traffic will shift entirely to the westbound lanes, with one lane traveling each way. The westbound bridge has been given a temporary fix, allowing vehicles to safely cross the Nolichucky River.”

“Work continues on a permanent repair on the eastbound side. Once the eastbound bridge repair is complete, traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes so the permanent repair can be done on the westbound bridge.”

“Because the bridge is being shared by both directions of traffic, oversized loads CANNOT make it through.”

This partial reopening marks a crucial milestone, especially amid the ongoing closure of I-40 for commercial vehicles. TDOT appreciates the dedication of their team, stating, “We continue to be proud of the crews working to make this possible, even as we know the work isn’t over until every road is repaired.”

Stay Informed

For up-to-date information on road conditions and ongoing repairs, follow TDOT on their social media platforms and website.

Source: Truckers News

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