Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66

The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County each approved resolutions to improve an original stretch of Route 66 running south of the city before the highway’s centennial in 2026. The Albuquerque Journal reported the efforts will involve Sunset Road and Isleta Boulevard, from Central Avenue to the Pueblo of Isleta. The two roads started as … Continue reading Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66

U.S. senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail

Three U.S. senators announced last week they proposed legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, though its prospects for passage in the lame-duck session of Congress are uncertain. U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford of Oklahoma and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, all Republicans, stated in a news release they introduced … Continue reading U.S. senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail

What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

Hemmings Motor News published a valuable story with the headline “What’s behind the push to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail?” that provides a lot of background behind the initiative. It appears the story was prompted by Mobil 1’s current “Keep Route 66 Kickin'” tour, which includes an online petition to support a national-trail … Continue reading What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California

A new informational kiosk recently was added to the Camp Cajon monument site near Phelan, California, that describes the major highways and roads that passed by the long-defunct rest area. Here’s a look at the kiosk from the camp’s Facebook account: Camp Cajon’s champions about a year ago installed a century-old, concrete picnic table at … Continue reading New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California

Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

The restoration of the neon sign for the closed West Winds Motel in Erick, Oklahoma, is among the $6 million in grants recently awarded by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. A list of the funds given from the state’s Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program was posted in a document on the commission’s website. Several grant … Continue reading Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

New Route 66 National Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) on Friday introduced the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, with U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.) as the co-sponsor. The bill is so new, it hadn’t yet been added to the database of the Congress’ bill-search website as of Friday evening. The Route … Continue reading New Route 66 National Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress

Oklahoma Route 66 Association prods senator to reintroduce National Historic Trail bill

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is prodding a U.S. senator to reintroduce a bill that would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. Rhys Martin, president of the association, sent out an email to members this week to contact U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and urge him to reintroduce a bill similar to Senate Bill … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association prods senator to reintroduce National Historic Trail bill

Newspaper editorial floats National Park idea for Route 66

In the wake of the ongoing struggle to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, a newspaper along the historic highway has floated an intriguing idea — make Route 66 a national park instead. The editorial board of the Joplin Globe in Missouri published an editorial with that proposal a few days ago. Below … Continue reading Newspaper editorial floats National Park idea for Route 66

Road closed in Petrified Forest National Park for pavement, bridge work

A lengthy section of road in the Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona will be closed through late March, with possible travel delays through June after the road reopens. According to the Navajo-Hopi Observer, the road closure begins south of the Blue Mesa Loop and north of the Crystal Forest trail area. Areas closed … Continue reading Road closed in Petrified Forest National Park for pavement, bridge work

U.S. House passes Route 66 National Historic Trail bill

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved by a voice vote the Route 66 National Historic Trail Act. The bill advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration. According to reports by the U.S. House clerk, lawmakers quickly suspended rules for debate and proceeded to vote on the bill, called HR 801, without objection. … Continue reading U.S. House passes Route 66 National Historic Trail bill