Pony Bridge to reopen to traffic the evening of May 10

The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, is hosting a reopening celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. on May 10, with vehicular traffic being allowed to cross shortly after 5. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association had the details about the party: The gathering starts at 3:00 with music, food, and tours from the Oklahoma Department … Continue reading Pony Bridge to reopen to traffic the evening of May 10

Albuquerque designates Central Avenue Bridge as a historic landmark

The Albuquerque City Council last week voted to designate the Central Avenue Bridge that carries Route 66 as a City Landmark. A news release from the city has the bridge's historical details: Before 1937, the original Route 66 passed through Albuquerque in a north-to-south direction and was located on 4th Street. The Central Avenue Bridge was … Continue reading Albuquerque designates Central Avenue Bridge as a historic landmark

Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

A drive-through Route 66 shield is being constructed on Old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, between the historic Front Street Bridge and the downtown area. The Joplin Globe in nearby Joplin, Missouri, had the details: Dale Oglesby, owner of B&B Discount and a former mayor of Galena, provided a large forklift to move the frame … Continue reading Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

Pony Bridge renovations may be complete by mid-April to early May

The reconstruction of the landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be finished by mid-April to early May, a project supervisor recently told an Oklahoma City television station. A KFOR-TV reporter went to the site, where workers were busy reinstalling the pony truss sections on the bridge on what was anticipated to be a two-year … Continue reading Pony Bridge renovations may be complete by mid-April to early May

Celebration set for April 14 for the opening of new Chain of Rocks Park in St. Louis

The Great Rivers Greenway a few days ago announced an April 14 celebration for the new Chain of Rocks Park at the west end of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. The free event from 2 to 4 p.m. will include music, food, fun and community activities. The park is at 10820 … Continue reading Celebration set for April 14 for the opening of new Chain of Rocks Park in St. Louis

One of the trusses is reinstalled on landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

One down, 37 to go. The first of 38 trusses salvaged from the landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, was reinstalled Thursday as part of the span's reconstruction, reported the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Here are a couple of photos from the event: The bridge project reportedly is ahead of schedule -- to the point … Continue reading One of the trusses is reinstalled on landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary

The landmark Marsh Arch Bridge, aka the Rainbow Bridge or Brush Creek Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, celebrated its 100th birthday this week. According to several online sources, including the well-researched Vintage St. Louis and Route 66 page on Facebook, the bridge opened on Dec. 20, 1923 -- about three years before U.S. 66 was … Continue reading Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary

Local journalist acquires former Hazelgreen United Methodist Church

A local journalist recently acquired the former Hazelgreen United Methodist Church that stands along Route 66 near Hazelgreen, Missouri. The church not only is known for being right next to the Mother Road, but it also contains a still-working neon cross atop its steeple visible from nearby Interstate 44. The church only is about 1 … Continue reading Local journalist acquires former Hazelgreen United Methodist Church

Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen fenced off due to safety concerns

The Route 66 Association of Missouri recently fenced off the Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, because of safety concerns about its deck. Gary Sosniecki, a key contributor to the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society, posted on Facebook about the situation: Rich Dinkela, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri said on Sept. 7, … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen fenced off due to safety concerns

Fire at Molly’s Landing restaurant in Catoosa kills one person

Molly's Landing restaurant, a fixture along Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, for nearly 40 years, was severely damaged by fire early Friday that apparently killed one person. KJRH-TV in nearby Tulsa reported Friday afternoon that one body was found in an upstairs apartment of the restaurant. Melissa Beasley-Lee, president of the New Mexico Route 66 … Continue reading Fire at Molly’s Landing restaurant in Catoosa kills one person