Significant changes likely coming to Arroyo Seco Parkway

https://youtu.be/flhd7Jr-3qE A number of significant changes are probably coming to the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (aka Pasadena Freeway, aka Route 66) in the Los Angeles area, reported LA Curbed. The proposals come from the California Department of Transportation, so it's not just idle speculation. A summarized list: Reducing the speed limit from 55 to 45 … Continue reading Significant changes likely coming to Arroyo Seco Parkway

An early image of La Bajada Hill

Take a look at the above photo. It's a photograph of a circa-1922 Dodge Bros. Touring Car at La Bajada Hill, southwest of Santa Fe, N.M. Date of the image is unknown, but likely before Route 66 was certified in 1926. The back of the photo read: Ma and Dad. This is at the top … Continue reading An early image of La Bajada Hill

Several Scenic Byways grants go to Route 66

About 125 grants from the National Scenic Byways Program were announced Thursday, with several of them going to Route 66 projects. The following is a Route 66-related list of the grant award, where it's going, and a description from the Federal Highway Administration of its purpose: --- $267,038, Kingman, Ariz., Historic Route 66 Kingman Pedestrian Crossing … Continue reading Several Scenic Byways grants go to Route 66

A virtual tour of old Cajon Pass

Backroads West, which recently posted excellent videos about Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow in California, has just posted a new clip about the pre-Route 66 alignment of the Cajon Pass. https://youtu.be/w05830KU78o Much of the road shown in the video dates to 1914 -- more than a decade before U.S. Highway 66 was commissioned.

New Rancho freeway signs point to Route 66

Interstate 15 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., this week received new signs -- in both directions -- that direct motorists to  Foothill Boulevard, aka historic Route 66. According to the Daily Breeze in Torrance, Calif: "It's my intent to again let the people know that this is part of Route 66," said Edward Dietl, vice president of … Continue reading New Rancho freeway signs point to Route 66

Section of Route 66 west of Oatman closed

A section of Route 66 between Golden Shores, Ariz., and Oatman, Ariz., remains closed after weekend storms washed debris onto the roadway and damaged it, reported the Mohave Daily News. Monte Wilson, onstruction/design manager for the Mohave County Engineering Department, says it's uncertain when the road will reopen. The road is closed from Boundary Cone … Continue reading Section of Route 66 west of Oatman closed

Plan unveiled for College Street corridor in Springfield, Mo.

The City of Springfield, Mo., has unveiled its revitalization plan for the College Street corridor west of downtown, which includes an alignment of historic Route 66, reported KY3-TV in Springfield. The plan covers College Street from Grant Avenue to the Kansas Expressway (map here). Folks have agreed for years that the area needs a little … Continue reading Plan unveiled for College Street corridor in Springfield, Mo.

Movement afoot to rename New Mexico Highway 333 to Route 66

A small movement is percolating to change the name of New Mexico Highway 333 east of Albuquerque to Route 66, reported the Mountain View Telegraph newspaper. One of those who want it changed is Fred Rael, co-owner of the Sedillo Hill Travel Center in Tijeras, N.M.: Rael doesn't care for the N.M. 333 designation and … Continue reading Movement afoot to rename New Mexico Highway 333 to Route 66

Was Depew the first Route 66 town to be bypassed?

The jury's still out on exact dates and other historical data. But a roadie has compiled compelling information that indicates Depew, Okla., was the first incorporated Route 66 town to be bypassed -- way back in 1928. When U.S. Highway 66 was certified in 1926, the road made a horseshoe-shaped loop through downtown Depew on … Continue reading Was Depew the first Route 66 town to be bypassed?

Joliet theater expanding its tour hours

In response to demand from Route 66 tourists and other visitors, the historic Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Ill., is greatly expanding its hours for tour groups, reported the Naperville Sun. The newspaper said the theater would expand its tour hours to 10 a week. In the past, the theater offered only one tour a week … Continue reading Joliet theater expanding its tour hours