Compromise leaves 1 mile of endangered Ribbon Road in Oklahoma untouched

A compromise between state and local officials will preserve one mile of the fabled Ribbon Road of original Route 66 in northeast Oklahoma after the county voted recently to grind up the asphalt on the three-mile stretch. KSNF-TV in nearby Joplin, Missouri, reported that Miami Mayor Bless Parker, state Rep. Steve Bashore, Lt. Gov. and … Continue reading Compromise leaves 1 mile of endangered Ribbon Road in Oklahoma untouched

County decides to grind up Sidewalk Highway asphalt despite pleas from preservationists

Ottawa County, Oklahoma, has decided to grind up the original asphalt and make other significant alterations to the 9-foot-wide "Sidewalk Highway" of original Route 66 between Miami and Afton. The county recently took the action despite pleas from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and other historic preservationists to keep the century-old "Ribbon Road" intact as … Continue reading County decides to grind up Sidewalk Highway asphalt despite pleas from preservationists

Oklahoma Route 66 Association wants plans altered for rehabbing Ribbon Road

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is asking fans of Route 66 and Oklahoma history to lend their voice to an effort to preserve the Ribbon Road, a unique stretch of the famous highway in Ottawa County. “We agree that the road needs to be rehabilitated,” said Rhys Martin, president of the association. “With the centennial … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association wants plans altered for rehabbing Ribbon Road

Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma undergoing historic review before rehabilitation work begins

A section of 9-foot-wide Sidewalk Highway, aka Ribbon Road, of Route 66 near Miami, Oklahoma, is undergoing a required Section 106 review before Ottawa County begins work to restore the century-old roadway. Section 106 is a review period required by the National Historic Preservation Act anytime work is imminent on or near historic properties. The … Continue reading Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma undergoing historic review before rehabilitation work begins

Roamin’ Rich presents an alternative option for restoring Sidewalk Highway

Roamin' Rich Dinkela, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, recently proposed an alternative option for preserving the nearly century-old Sidewalk Highway in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Dinkela, who owns a paving company in the St. Louis area, said in a Facebook video a few days ago he modified an earlier plan for the Sidewalk … Continue reading Roamin’ Rich presents an alternative option for restoring Sidewalk Highway

Four options presented to restore Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma

Ottawa County, Oklahoma, is considering four options for restoring the nearly century-old Sidewalk Highway, aka Ribbon Road, that once carried Route 66 from Miami to Afton. KOAM-TV presented the options in a recent report: OPTION #1: Widening- adds 16 feet to top width; keeps original concrete and asphalt section; rebuilds existing gravel shoulders into new … Continue reading Four options presented to restore Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma

County schedules meeting for March 10 on revitalizing Sidewalk Highway

Ottawa County, Oklahoma, is planning a public meeting on March 10 to discuss options on revitalizing and preserving the historic Sidewalk Highway of Route 66 between Miami and Afton. One of the possible options is a hiking and cycling trail, county commissioner Russell Earls told KSNF-TV. A partnership with Miami Parks and Recreation could mean … Continue reading County schedules meeting for March 10 on revitalizing Sidewalk Highway

County to proceed with preservation plan for Sidewalk Highway, bike trail

Ottawa County, Oklahoma, is proceeding with a preservation plan for the nearly century-old stretch of Route 66, also known as the Ribbon Road or Sidewalk Highway, that may include a cycling or pedestrian trail next to it. KSN/KODE-TV reported: It will feature a walking, biking, and hiking trail alongside the historic Mother Road.Ottawa County Commissioner, … Continue reading County to proceed with preservation plan for Sidewalk Highway, bike trail

Preservationists will approach county to preserve Sidewalk Highway

Route 66 fans, preservationists and area leaders met Wednesday at the historic Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma, to discuss ways to preserve an ancient stretch of Route 66 between Miami and Afton called the Sidewalk Highway or Ribbon Road. The group emerged with a consensus to talk to the Ottawa County board of commissioners, which … Continue reading Preservationists will approach county to preserve Sidewalk Highway

County seeks grant for Sidewalk Highway

Ottawa County in northeast Oklahoma is seeking more than $450,000 in federal Transportation Alternatives Program money to fix the "Sidewalk Highway" of original Route 66 south of Miami. According to an article in the Miami News-Record: If awarded, the money would be used to repair a one-mile segment in a project that would extend for three years to … Continue reading County seeks grant for Sidewalk Highway