Love’s added a tire shop to help service trucks and other vehicles traveling on the turnpike. It also took the plaza from 45 parking spaces for trucks to 159. Work on the plaza started in February 2025.
Shearer-Salim said they also took the opportunity to prepare the area for the future six lanes that will come in later stages.
Main construction at Wellston -- like Stroud -- is mostly complete. Shearer-Salim said work right now includes finishing up aesthetics and lighting. OTA is currently working on the Midpoint Route 66 art installation on the south side of the Route 66 bridge.
“They’re currently building the base for that artwork as well as a little scenic turnout with four parking spots… As people are traveling along Route 66, they’ll be able to pull over just after going underneath that bridge and get out and take selfies with the midpoint artwork,” she said.
There is also going to be artwork on the bridge itself with lighting underneath. A ribbon-cutting open to the community is currently being planned in coordination with the lieutenant governor’s office for April 23.