Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

For better or for ill, Mayor Richard Berry on Wednesday signed a $82.6 million contract for a local firm to begin construction of the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project along Central Avenue (aka Route 66). According to the Albuquerque Journal: Heavy demolition and disruptions along a nine-mile stretch of Central Avenue are expected to begin in … Continue reading Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

A concise history of Ash Fork

Marshall Trimble, who's been designated Arizona's official state historian, appears in this 2 1/2-minute video about the Route 66 town of Ash Fork, Arizona, for the Ash Fork Historical Society and Museum. And because Trimble grew up in Ash Fork, who better to tell the town's story? Ash Fork, Arizona with Marshall Trimble from Route … Continue reading A concise history of Ash Fork

New Kingman Splash Pad has a familiar sight

Those who check out the new Kingman Splash Pad at Cecil Davis Park in Kingman, Arizona, may see a familiar sight -- a replica of the old water tower that greets Route 66 travelers going into town. The water park opened last weekend after months of fundraising and work by Desert Construction, Fripps Mohave Construction and AB … Continue reading New Kingman Splash Pad has a familiar sight

City of Tucumcari, police sued over 2014 arson fires

The city of Tucumcari, New Mexico, and six of its cops recently were slapped with a lawsuit over a former fellow police officer who ended up in prison for torching a closed Route 66 motel and an abandoned house. Courthouse News Service reports the plaintiffs allege nepotism and a lack of screening while hiring now-disgraced officer Dustin Lopez, … Continue reading City of Tucumcari, police sued over 2014 arson fires

Glenn Frey tribute statue will be installed Sept. 23 in Winslow

A tribute statue of Glenn Frey, co-writer of The Eagles' song "Take It Easy," will be installed at noon Friday, Sept. 23, at Standin' on the Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona. KSLX classic-rock radio in Phoenix announced Tuesday the installation, which will occur at the first day of the annual Standin' on the Corner Festival. The station's morning team, “Mark … Continue reading Glenn Frey tribute statue will be installed Sept. 23 in Winslow

Grand Canyon Cafe soon will change hands

The Grand Canyon Cafe, owned by the same family for more than 70 years, soon will change hands to a group of five investors from Flagstaff, Arizona. The Arizona Daily Sun reports longtime managers Fred and Tina Wong soon will retire after running the Route 66 restaurant since 1980. Wong's family has owned the Flagstaff eatery … Continue reading Grand Canyon Cafe soon will change hands

Seven historic Route 66 bridges in Oklahoma endangered

Historian and author Jim Ross, who's plugged into the goings-on with Oklahoma's Route 66 as well as anyone, posted this grim message Monday on Facebook. The gist of it is seven historic bridges on the Mother Road in Oklahoma are slated for replacement, but one -- the fabled Pony Bridge near Bridgeport -- likely will be saved and … Continue reading Seven historic Route 66 bridges in Oklahoma endangered

Where to see the total eclipse on Route 66

If you're in eastern Missouri on Route 66 on Aug. 21, 2017, there's a good chance you'll experience a rare total eclipse of the sun that day. Most of the state will see at least a partial eclipse. But a narrow band of Route 66 in eastern Missouri will experience a total eclipse. Missouri towns that will … Continue reading Where to see the total eclipse on Route 66

University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series

44 The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is hosting an exhibit and lecture series this fall to commemorate the 90th birthday of Route 66. A news release from the university contains some details about the upcoming "Life and Times on New Mexico Route 66" exhibit at the university's Zimmerman Library: Route 66 was exciting for the … Continue reading University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series

Circle Cinema in Tulsa to screen “Bagdad Cafe”

The historic Circle Cinema in Tulsa will screen the cult-classic based on Route 66, "Bagdad Cafe," on Thursday night as part of the Mother Road Revival festivities. The screening of "Bagdad Cafe" is slated for 7 p.m., but a reception will be held at the moviehouse at 5:30 p.m. featuring music from Bandelier and documentary films featuring … Continue reading Circle Cinema in Tulsa to screen “Bagdad Cafe”