I’m not sure what to think of this. Often, road “improvements” often require updates that completely alter the character of the road. But, at the same time, I agree that public safety has to be a high priority. After all, parts of old Route 66 were called “Bloody 66,” which I would consider to be an intolerable situation.
I sounds like people who live in that area of Southern California have conflicting feelings about this, too:
… Sonneborn noted that a major earthquake or other disaster closing old Route 66 would virtually isolate residents of Silver Lakes. “We’re an island if it comes to rapid evacuation,” he said.
Retiree Chuck Goodwin said people love the nostalgia of Route 66, and they love to live in Silver Lakes.
“But to get here, the drive is horrible,” he said.