The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County are working on a plan to revitalize the pre-1937 stretch of Route 66, also known as El Camino Real and as part of the Santa Fe Loop, before the historic highway’s centennial in 2026.
KRQE-TV reported:
Albuquerque city councilor Klarissa Peña introduced a resolution expanding the city’s Route 66 restoration projects in partnership with the county. Stretches of the road include Sunset and Isleta between Central and Isleta Pueblo.
“I think we need to do a better job of looking at the South Valley, and really preserving some of these historical landmarks that we have that we haven’t done such a good job at,” said Peña.
The project would include an inventory of culturally significant sites and earmark those that have not been listed yet, for historical designation. The resolution would also provide historical signage, as well as update roads, sidewalks, and lighting in those areas. Pena says one of the goals would be to attract more people to explore the south valley.
Route 66 from 1926 to 1937 went north from near Santa Rosa to Santa Fe, then veered south to Albuquerque and Los Lunas before heading west again.
Here’s the video report from the station:
El Camino Real, which dates to the 1600s, was a prominent trade route that linked Mexico City to San Juan Pueblo near Santa Fe. It served as a precursor to part of the Santa Fe Loop of Route 66.
Route 66 after 1937 was realigned to due west of Santa Rosa to Albuquerque and bypassed Los Lunas entirely. Central Avenue in Albuquerque is the best-known stretch of Route 66, but the pre-1937 alignments include Fourth Street and the aforementioned Isleta Boulevard.
I’m not, however, aware that Sunset Road ever was Route 66.
The tourism value of revitalizing the original stretch of Route 66 is obvious: It entices people to stay at least an extra day exploring this more-obscure path.
(Image of a pre-1937 Route 66 directional sign by Marcin Wichary via Flickr)