Way, way behind the times. Oklahoma let I-40 devolve into a gravel goat path over 20 years ago and has done little to nothing to repair it, especially in OKC and points east. There's a stretch of about 140 miles that has tank traps. Worst roads in the country, IMHO, and I've been to 49 states. Last time I went through there (Feb. 2010) I seriously considered sending ODOT a letter to ask them exactly what was their threshold for repaving.....
It’s been a while since I last traveled I-40 east of Oklahoma City, but Oklahoma roads (at least the state-maintained two-lanes) are generally quite smooth and well-built. When last I attempted I-35 southbound from Oklahoma City, I encountered so much construction that I decided I’d do better on the two-lane state highways.
I had the same thoughts about I-29 in Iowa. There is a distinct difference when you cross the state line coming from MO. Worst stretch of freeway I've driven in many a year.
We're leaving California on Wednesday heading to Minnesota...last time, we went I-40 to IKC and turned north on I-35 - both were horrible pothole traps.
This time, we're seriously considering hooking onto state highways at Tucumcari and meandering up northeast at least until Wichita.
Side point. What state haven’t you been to? Mine is North Dakota.