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-40 In Arkansas seemed like it was a mish mash of concrete blocks thrown down is a haphazard fashion. What a shock breaker.
I-40 is all concrete for the most part east of OKC except where they’ve replaced it with asphalt. Lots of “clackity, clackity, clackity” with a bump every mile or so that bounces you off the ceiling (at 60 mph). There’s a fairly long stretch east of OKC that is and has been single lane on both sides for years, too. Same thing in OKC proper on I-40. All concrete and rough as a cob. We go through there at least twice a year on our snow ski trips and have for over 20 years. I dread it every year, but if you’re going from Chattanooga to SW Colorado it’s the shortest route....gives me an appreciation for what it must have been like to do that trip in a covered wagon.....