Conceptual plans unveiled for Center of the Universe site in Tulsa

The Tulsa Downtown Partnership recently showed conceptual plans for the Center of the Universe, an odd echo-bounceback site in downtown that's near an old alignment of Route 66. According to the Tulsa World: The proposed improvements include a shade structure over the Center of the Universe, shaded seating near the north and south entrances to … Continue reading Conceptual plans unveiled for Center of the Universe site in Tulsa

Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow

A section of old Route 66 between Barstow, California, and Amboy, California, that was closed for several years due to bridge washouts is open again. The Facebook accounts of the California Historic Route 66 Association and Roy's Motel & Cafe this week both reported the road being reopened by San Bernardino County, which holds jurisdiction. … Continue reading Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow

Scenes of Christmas decor along Route 66

A number of Route 66 landmarks recently have been decorated for the Christmas holiday. First, the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, held its annual "lights on" ceremony on Sunday night. As these photos from Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin shows, not only was the whale lighted, but so was the nearby ark. In … Continue reading Scenes of Christmas decor along Route 66

Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation on Wednesday held a groundbreaking ceremony on a two-year, $35 million project to widen the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport but preserve the span's distinctive pony trusses. ODOT sent out this tweet from the scene: Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell & Oklahoma History Center Director Trait Thompson joined Secretary of Transportation … Continue reading Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

Groundbreaking held for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Missouri side

The Great Rivers Greenway on Saturday held a groundbreaking ceremony for long-awaited improvements, including security additions, to the Missouri side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. Construction actually will begin early next year, with completion slated for early 2024. An artist's rendering of the Missouri side of the bridge can be … Continue reading Groundbreaking held for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Missouri side

Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be closed to traffic for at least two years next Monday as it undergoes extensive improvements that will preserve it distinctive trusses. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin announced the imminent closure in an email Friday: We have known this day is coming for a long … Continue reading Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

Groundbreaking set for Oct. 29 for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge site

The Great Rivers Greenway will hold a groundbreaking celebration at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 29 for improvements to the west side of the site. The Route 66 Association of Missouri several days ago emailed its members, informing them about the event at 10840 … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Oct. 29 for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge site

Virtual open house on options for Bird Creek Bridge near Catoosa runs through June 27

A virtual open house to explore options for the historic Bird Creek Bridge on northbound Route 66 near Catoosa, Oklahoma, runs through June 27, and the state Department of Transportation wants your input. Replacement of the 1956 bridge is being considered about a decade after the 1936 southbound bridge was replaced. That area, just north … Continue reading Virtual open house on options for Bird Creek Bridge near Catoosa runs through June 27

Bridge failure closes Route 66 indefinitely from Ludlow to Amboy

More bridges on Route 66 apparently have failed in recent days east of Ludlow, California, closing the historic highway to the hamlet of Amboy, California. That's on top of the closed portion of Route 66 from Essex, California, to Amboy. That leaves no direct Route 66 access to Amboy the east and west of the … Continue reading Bridge failure closes Route 66 indefinitely from Ludlow to Amboy

Route 66 soon will lose a historic bridge near Marshfield

The century-old Route CC bridge over the Niangua Branch river on Route 66 east of Marshfield, Missouri, will be closed permanently this week to make way for a new bridge. That's the word from Route 66 preservationists and a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation: The bridge replacement will require Route CC to … Continue reading Route 66 soon will lose a historic bridge near Marshfield