California highway planners seriously considered the use of nearly two dozen atomic bombs to level a mountain range so a new alignment of Interstate 40 could be built through the Mojave Desert and thus bypass Route 66. Newsmen and other observers watch a cloud of dust emerge in the distance several seconds after an underground … Continue reading California nearly used atomic bombs to help bypass Route 66 in California
Category: Highways
New Route 66 National Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) on Friday introduced the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, with U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.) as the co-sponsor. The bill is so new, it hadn't yet been added to the database of the Congress' bill-search website as of Friday evening. The Route … Continue reading New Route 66 National Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress
New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation
Last month, Oklahoma County erected signs that marked a semi-obscure section of historic Route 66 roadbed near Arcadia, Oklahoma, and commemorated its designation to the National Register of Historic Places. Shellee Graham, who lives on the road with her husband, Route 66 researcher Jim Ross, posted a series of photos of the sign being installed: … Continue reading New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation
A new exhibit in Atlanta showcases an original section of Route 66
A new outdoor exhibit in Atlanta, Illinois, offers drivers a chance to cruise down a 1924 section of highway that became the original Route 66 two years later. The quarter-mile section gives drivers a taste of what it was like to drive old Route 66 nearly a century ago. That section was part of Illinois … Continue reading A new exhibit in Atlanta showcases an original section of Route 66
Scenic byway organization seeks money from infrastructure bill for Route 66
The Springfield News-Leader recently published an excellent feature article about Missouri Route 66 recently earning an All-American Road designation and its possible effects. The article contains interviews with the principals at Gay Parita Station, Route 66 Food Truck Park, Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, Rockwood Motor Court and the Route 66 Association of Missouri. But … Continue reading Scenic byway organization seeks money from infrastructure bill for Route 66
Sapulpa planning a new access road to Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66
The city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is planning to build an extension of an existing highway later this spring so motorists can more easily access the old Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66 west of town. The Sapulpa Times detailed upcoming work regarding Proposition 1, one of a series of bond projects approved by voters in … Continue reading Sapulpa planning a new access road to Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66
California’s Route 66 from Needles to Barstow officially becomes a Scenic Byway
About 150 miles of Route 66 from Needles, California, to Barstow, California, was officially announced Tuesday as a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration. Over 300 miles of Missouri's Route 66 also attained All-American Road status, which means it contains features that do not exist elsewhere in the United States and is unique … Continue reading California’s Route 66 from Needles to Barstow officially becomes a Scenic Byway
Camp Cajon team begins offering field trips of historical sites in Cajon Pass
The team behind the recently constructed Camp Cajon Monument in Southern California's Cajon Pass recently offered tours of Camp Cajon and other sites along the famed mountain path. The monument itself sits at the south end of Wagon Train Road, near the intersection of Interstate 15 and Highway 138. The monument was dedicated in 2019 to … Continue reading Camp Cajon team begins offering field trips of historical sites in Cajon Pass
U.S. House approves Route 66 centennial bill, which awaits president’s signature
The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate version of the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, advancing it to the office of President Donald Trump for his signature. Bill Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership that shepherded the bill, said in a news release Tuesday the House suspended its regular rules to … Continue reading U.S. House approves Route 66 centennial bill, which awaits president’s signature
Joliet officially reopens Chicago Street, an original alignment of Route 66
The Joliet City Council on Monday marked the official reopening of North Chicago Street in downtown Joliet, Illinois, along with officials from the Joliet City Center Partnership, Joliet Chamber of Commerce and Will County. According to The Times Weekly: “This is an exciting day for all of Joliet as we reopen an iconic street in … Continue reading Joliet officially reopens Chicago Street, an original alignment of Route 66