Prolific author Stephen H. Provost this spring released two books barely two months apart about the early history of American roads and the so-called golden age of U.S. highways. "America's First Highways" delves into the pre-1926 era when the nation's main roads -- including a precursor to Route 66 -- were named and not numbered. … Continue reading Books review: “Yesterday’s Highways” and “America’s First Highways”
Category: Highways
Musical Road in Tijeras is fading away, with no plans for restoration
The so-called Musical Road or Singing Road along Route 66 in Tijeras, New Mexico, is fading away with no plans from the state to restore or maintain it. ROUTE Magazine reported it on Facebook on May 26, and an Albuquerque Journal columnist confirmed it a few days later. D'val Westphal of the Journal reported that … Continue reading Musical Road in Tijeras is fading away, with no plans for restoration
Waynesville marks 30th year of Missouri’s Route 66 declared a historic district
Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission member Jackie Welborn (left) and former Missouri state Rep. Jim Mitchell attended Mayor Luge Hardman’s proclamation signing ceremony Thursday evening. Pulaski County Tourism Bureau was represented by Laura Huffman (right). The mayor of Waynesville, Missouri, on Thursday signed a proclamation recognizing the upcoming 30-year anniversary of Missouri’s designation of its … Continue reading Waynesville marks 30th year of Missouri’s Route 66 declared a historic district
Tulsa wants its own Route 66 asset survey to account for city’s older alignment
The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office will conduct a survey of historic assets along Route 66, but the Tulsa Route 66 Commission wants to conduct its own survey that includes the city's older alignment near downtown. According to Public Radio Tulsa: The state is taking an inventory of structures like movie theaters, gas stations and … Continue reading Tulsa wants its own Route 66 asset survey to account for city’s older alignment
California Route 66 Association asking for letters of support for scenic byway
The California Historic Route 66 Association is asking for letters of support -- especially from international Route 66 fans -- regarding its nomination for a national scenic byway between Needles and Barstow. Lynne Miller, byway liaison for the association, sent Dries Bessels of the Dutch Route 66 Association a letter that he posted on Facebook. … Continue reading California Route 66 Association asking for letters of support for scenic byway
Roamin’ Rich presents an alternative option for restoring Sidewalk Highway
Roamin' Rich Dinkela, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, recently proposed an alternative option for preserving the nearly century-old Sidewalk Highway in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Dinkela, who owns a paving company in the St. Louis area, said in a Facebook video a few days ago he modified an earlier plan for the Sidewalk … Continue reading Roamin’ Rich presents an alternative option for restoring Sidewalk Highway
Four options presented to restore Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma
Ottawa County, Oklahoma, is considering four options for restoring the nearly century-old Sidewalk Highway, aka Ribbon Road, that once carried Route 66 from Miami to Afton. KOAM-TV presented the options in a recent report: OPTION #1: Widening- adds 16 feet to top width; keeps original concrete and asphalt section; rebuilds existing gravel shoulders into new … Continue reading Four options presented to restore Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma
County may rehabilitate an original stretch of Route 66 west of El Reno
Canadian County, Oklahoma, is looking at updates for a 12-mile stretch of original Route 66 west of El Reno, prompting concerns from historic preservationists. ROUTE Magazine flagged a story from the El Reno Tribune about the possible project from Fort Reno to the Cherokee Trading Post. The newspaper talked to county commissioner Jack Stewart: According … Continue reading County may rehabilitate an original stretch of Route 66 west of El Reno
County schedules meeting for March 10 on revitalizing Sidewalk Highway
Ottawa County, Oklahoma, is planning a public meeting on March 10 to discuss options on revitalizing and preserving the historic Sidewalk Highway of Route 66 between Miami and Afton. One of the possible options is a hiking and cycling trail, county commissioner Russell Earls told KSNF-TV. A partnership with Miami Parks and Recreation could mean … Continue reading County schedules meeting for March 10 on revitalizing Sidewalk Highway
Section of Route 66 in Mojave Desert will remain closed for several more years
Those who've waited for San Bernardino County to reopen a lengthy, storm-damaged section of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert will have to wait a while longer. ROUTE Magazine reported in a Facebook post Wednesday part of the historic highway likely will remain closed likely through at least part of 2023: According to the Department … Continue reading Section of Route 66 in Mojave Desert will remain closed for several more years