The 75-year-old Martin Luther King Memorial Bridge that links St. Louis to East St. Louis, Illinois, may be replaced at a cost of over $600 million due to its deteriorating condition. The bridge served as Route 66 from 1957 to 1969. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that area transportation officials imposed weight restrictions on the … Continue reading Martin Luther King Memorial Bridge in St. Louis may be replaced
Category: Highways
Preservation Oklahoma includes original pavement of Route 66 on its Most Endangered Places list
Several stretches of original pavement of Route 66 were designated as among the Most Endangered Places in Preservation Oklahoma's annual list. The endangered Route 66 stretches mentioned by the organization were: Ribbon Road near Miami Canadian County east of Fort Reno Washita County southwest of Clinton Here's what Preservation Oklahoma stated about the original pavement: … Continue reading Preservation Oklahoma includes original pavement of Route 66 on its Most Endangered Places list
Several Route 66-related books have been released in recent weeks
I've been made aware that three books -- with Route 66 as a central theme -- have been released in recent weeks, coinciding with the highway's centennial. One is Crystal Sershen's "Dust & Dreams: Roadmap of the American Soul" (Amazon affiliate link). She describes her book this way: A lyrical memoir, Dust & Dreams is told in … Continue reading Several Route 66-related books have been released in recent weeks
“Submerged Route 66” boat tours in Springfield will start in June
Visit Springfield (Illinois) and Lake Springfield Marina, starting in June, will offer "Submerged Route 66" tours of the highway that was inundated by the creation Lake Springfield in the 1930s. Tours will start on Mondays and Fridays three times a day in early June and will run through early October. Those who wish to participate … Continue reading “Submerged Route 66” boat tours in Springfield will start in June
Elm Street in Lebanon renamed Route 66 as part of highway’s centennial
Elm Street in Lebanon, Missouri, officially was renamed Route 66 on April 1 -- and it's not an April Fool's Day joke. The city's Street Department on that day began installing the new Route 66 signs along that corridor. "This project honors Lebanon’s history while helping visitors and travelers better follow the historic Route 66 … Continue reading Elm Street in Lebanon renamed Route 66 as part of highway’s centennial
Tulsa unveils musical road on Route 66
A new musical road has been unveiled on Route 66 -- this time, on the historic 11th Street Bridge that crosses the Arkansas River in Tulsa. When a motorist drives over specially designed rumble strips on the bridge at 35 mph, one will hear the melody of Oklahoma native Woody Guthrie's iconic song "This Land … Continue reading Tulsa unveils musical road on Route 66
“Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, will open its "Will Rogers Highway: Route 66" exhibit on Feb. 27. The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. Admission will be free. The Cherokee Phoenix reported: The exhibit launches with the 1880s, illustrating America’s push for better roads beyond rough wagon trails, which spurred the rapid Good … Continue reading “Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City opens new Route 66 exhibit
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City recently opened a new exhibit that focuses on Route 66 during its centennial year. "Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops" runs through May 3. Tickets are available here. Here's what the museum says about the exhibit: From horses and covered wagons to riverboats, steam … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City opens new Route 66 exhibit
New Will Rogers Highway monument will be installed outside of Wellston
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced that a new Will Rogers Highway monument will be installed along Route 66 in Wellston to commemorate Route 66B, aka the Wellston Gap or Wellston Loop. It would be the first Will Rogers Highway monument installed in more than a decade. The association reported: “When we were looking at … Continue reading New Will Rogers Highway monument will be installed outside of Wellston
Sapulpa’s Route 66 reopens after 10-month overhaul
It took a little longer than expected, but Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66) in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, reopened to traffic last week after multiple infrastructure improvements. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who leads the state's tourism department, hailed the reopening during a ceremony, reported the Sapulpa Times. Also attending were the mayor, city council and city staff. … Continue reading Sapulpa’s Route 66 reopens after 10-month overhaul