The Missouri Department of Transportation this week approved a contract to replace two Missouri 96 (aka Route 66) bridges on the northeast side of Carthage. The road will reopen no later than Sept. 15, but the $6.2 million contract with Clarkson Construction Co. in Kansas City contains incentives if it finishes the job quicker. Given that, it's not … Continue reading New bridges in Carthage to reopen no later than mid-September
Tag: Carthage
Missouri’s new old Route 66 bridge
Jasper County officials on Wednesday marked the dedication of a new bridge on old Route 66 west of Carthage, Missouri, designed to resemble the 1922 bridge it replaced. Above is a Larry Askren photo, via Facebook, of the new bridge as it was being built in September. The vintage Art Deco details were clear even then. … Continue reading Missouri’s new old Route 66 bridge
MoDOT accelerates replacement of Carthage bridge
The Missouri Department of Transportation is greatly accelerating the replacement of a railroad bridge on Missouri 96, aka Route 66, on the northeast side of Carthage, Missouri, giving hope the project will prove much less disruptive to Route 66 businesses. According to the Carthage Press, the highway agency will: Seek bids for the bridge's replacement in December, … Continue reading MoDOT accelerates replacement of Carthage bridge
Book review: “Route 66: A Trail of Tears”
This isn't a Route 66 nostalgia book. "Route 66: A Trail of Tears" (514 pages, soft cover, self-published) offers vivid evidence why some people regarded the highway with anguish and dread during its heyday. Historian Barry Duncan compiled hundreds of black-and-white photographs of accidents along a stretch of the Mother Road in southwest Missouri from the 1950s to the 1970s. The … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66: A Trail of Tears”
Carthage compromise may aid Route 66 travelers
The city of Carthage, Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Transportation may have hammered out a compromise that will lead to a better bridge-project detour for Route 66 travelers and give maintenance to those old bridges on the detour. The Carthage Press reports the agreement that will be voted on by the city council Oct. 25: … Continue reading Carthage compromise may aid Route 66 travelers
Carthage bridge unexpectedly closes to traffic
A 1934 railroad overpass that brought Route 66 into Carthage, Missouri, unexpectedly closed Thursday after an inspection showed serious deterioration. Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce reported the bridge already was scheduled to be demolished in April and will not reopen until late 2017. Hart also made a new map that aims … Continue reading Carthage bridge unexpectedly closes to traffic
Route 66 businesses worry about effect of bridge projects
Detours for upcoming replacement of two bridges in Carthage, Missouri, has Route 66 businesses fretting that tourists will bypass their town. The Missouri Department of Transportation will start to replace two bridges on Highway 96 (aka Route 66) on the northeast side of town next spring. The projects won't be finished until fall 2017. The official detour when the … Continue reading Route 66 businesses worry about effect of bridge projects
Lowell Davis creates new sculpture on Route 66 in Carthage
Famous folk artist Lowell Davis recently unveiled a new sculpture on the northeast side of Carthage, Missouri, along Route 66. The Carthage Press reported the sculpture is at 125 N. River St., near Missouri 96 (aka Route 66): The creation includes a road grader from the late 1800s with a pair of signature Lowell Davis … Continue reading Lowell Davis creates new sculpture on Route 66 in Carthage
Architectural neon for Boots Court relighted
The Boots Court in Carthage, Missouri, on Saturday night officially relighted the architectural neon of the Route 66 motel that had gone dark for about 15 years. An estimated 200 people attended the event. Here is a video from Jessica Davis of the countdown before the switch for the neon for Boots Court was flicked on: https://www.facebook.com/100004570088249/videos/618744481621216/ The … Continue reading Architectural neon for Boots Court relighted
Boots Court neon relighting set for April 9
The architectural neon lighting of the historic Boots Court, which has been absent for more than a decade, will be formally relighted the evening of Saturday, April 9, at the Route 66 landmark in Carthage, Missouri. The Route 66 Association of Missouri said in a news release the festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with entertainment … Continue reading Boots Court neon relighting set for April 9