The derailment Wednesday of a freight train east of Ludlow, California, has closed National Trails Highway (aka Route 66) "for an unknown duration" due to a hazardous liquid spill. The Victorville Daily Press reports the accident just east of town shortly after noon involved 25 to 35 railcars. San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson Tracey … Continue reading Train derailment near Ludlow closes Route 66 indefinitely
Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24
The Route 66 Association of Missouri on Sunday announced a date of April 24 for the neon relighting at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas. The new neon will involve several elements at the former Texaco gas station: Around dusk approximately 6:30PM on April 24th we will "flip the switch" and light beautiful red TEXACO and … Continue reading Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24
Demolition begins on Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino
The razing of the historic but closed Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino, California, began a few weeks ago. Though it's not on Route 66, many travelers heading to and from the Mother Road undoubtedly used the railroad viaduct over the decades. The span lies immediately south where Route 66 turns west onto West … Continue reading Demolition begins on Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino
Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona and the Arizona Community Foundation again are partnering to offer cost-share grant opportunities. The association, in a new program, is offering cost-share grants from $500 to $10,000 to businesses, attractions, chambers of commerce and community organizations. Applications, which are available here, will be taken from today through April … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities
COVID-19 concerns prompt postponement of Route 66 Road Fest to next year
The Route 66 Road Fest in Oklahoma City and Tulsa in June has been postponed to 2022 due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a story in the Claremore Daily Progress: “Like everyone in Oklahoma, we must do all we can to ensure public safety,” said Jared Peterson, president of AAA Club Alliance … Continue reading COVID-19 concerns prompt postponement of Route 66 Road Fest to next year
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita creates Giving Wall for helping customers in need
The historic Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, created a "Giving Wall" so customers can discreetly pay it forward for those who are less fortunate, especially during economic hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The wall inside the Route 66 restaurant two miles west of town has a message that states: "If you are hungry or … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita creates Giving Wall for helping customers in need
Village of Tijeras opens new drive-in theater today
The Village of Tijeras, New Mexico, tonight will open its new Park and View drive-in theater just off Route 66. The theater at 12 Camino Municipal behind the village hall on Route 66 will screen "Forrest Gump" tonight, with "The Goonies" on March 13. According to the online form to order tickets, both screens already … Continue reading Village of Tijeras opens new drive-in theater today
‘Valentine Sally’ identified nearly 40 years after her body was found near Ash Fork
About a year ago, Route 66 enthusiast Blue Miller wrote on her Never Quite Lost blog about the mystery of "Valentine Sally," an unidentified young woman whose body was found near Ash Fork, Arizona, in an apparent homicide in February 1982. This week, Valentine Sally finally has her true name. She is Carolyn Eaton, a … Continue reading ‘Valentine Sally’ identified nearly 40 years after her body was found near Ash Fork
Cost-share grants unexpectedly revived for Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which technically ended in 2019, unexpectedly relaunched its cost-share grant program and is taking applications for it through late April. The revival of the program came to light Tuesday with an email from Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. He also flagged a new grant program … Continue reading Cost-share grants unexpectedly revived for Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
El Vado Motel developer to revamp Imperial Inn Motel in Albuquerque
The same developer who revamped the El Vado Motel and Monterey Motel in Albuquerque also will transform another Route 66 motel in that city -- the Imperial Inn Motel. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), the motel will become a mix of residential, restaurants and retail: The city announced Saturday it is moving forward … Continue reading El Vado Motel developer to revamp Imperial Inn Motel in Albuquerque