This article from the Joplin Globe tells about a new interchange that will be constructed at Missouri 249 and Missouri 171 west of the Route 66 town of Carterville, Mo.
I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, the change is supposed to direct more traffic to city limits. On the other hand, it would also allow motorists to drive faster by Carterville.
Dreama Heminger, owner of Dreama’s Route 66 Cafe, 328 E. Main St., said she believes business owners will see more people who are interested in the city’s historical heritage. Main Street once was part of the original Route 66.
“It allows people another way to get on this part of Route 66,” she said.
However, I’m highly skeptical of any highway project that funnels traffic at a higher speed. We’ll keep our eyes on this.
Too bad they don’t put something in for those of us travelling Rt 66. We always get lost between Webb City and Joplin.
Another confusing area is Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. We have done some serious driving north of town. At times, I thought we might be on the verge of discovering new and previously unknown lands.
You know, I thought the same thing. The stretch of Route 66 between Webb City and Joplin *is* confusing, mostly because there are several alignments in that region.