EZ UPDATES

For readers of the EZ 66 Guide for Travelers, I have provided free online updates to help keep your Route 66 experience as current as possible. As you might imagine, Route 66 is constantly undergoing changes, some good, others not so. Businesses open and close, roads are re-routed and street names change.

Please check back here just before your trip for the latest info. Entries are dated as to when they were added.

If you wish to purchase your own copy of the EZ Guide, please go here.

EZ 66 readers have been helpful in keeping me keep the guidebook updated in between my own road trips, so if you discover something that needs to be addressed while on your journey, please let me know!

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PONY BRIDGE OPEN on May 11, 2024 at 6:06:51 pm [Print]
The famous Pony Bridge between El Reno and Bridgeport, OK reopened after a year-and-a half restoration yesterday evening!

IGNORE any references to a "detour" on OK pages-25 and 26. You can once again follow the "boxed" directions to drive across the river here and admire all 38 yellow "pony" trusses, which were repainted and installed on the new bridge deck!

On the east side is a new parking area, with interpretive panels and a great view of the beautiful bridge.


Way to go, ODOT (and the OK Historical Society, Oklahoma Route 66 Association, and all the contractors involved for finishing early.

This bridge will carry 66 into the centennial and beyond!

Joliet Illinois detour on May 05, 2024 at 1:07:12 pm [Print]
The Ruby street drawbridge on the north side of Joliet is CLOSED for repairs for at least 60 days.

Detours will be sign posted.

SPRING WEATHER on Apr 26, 2024 at 3:08:06 pm [Print]

keep informed on the weather with the app of your choice.

Spring brings severe weather to 66 from Illinois west thru Texas. BUT ALSO SNOW IN NORTHERN AZ

Bug Ranch on Apr 25, 2024 at 12:47:27 pm [Print]
Bug Ranch will be moving to the RV park just west of the Big Texan in Amarillo on I-40. More later.

McCOOK ILLINOIS DETOUR on Apr 20, 2024 at 11:32:12 pm [Print]
Currently, East Ave, the north-south street that connects 55th St to Joliet Rd is closed. From McCook, continue on 55th St, past East Ave, westbound all the way to La Grange Rd (US 45) and turn LEFT, then rejoin Joliet Rd west. Eastbound reverse.

WELLSTON OKLAHOMA DETOUR coming this summer (timing yet unknown) on Apr 19, 2024 at 10:43:02 pm [Print]
We don't have many details yet, but sometime this summer (2024) 66 will be CLOSED just east of Wellston while the I-44/Turner T-Pike overpass is replaced. This closure could last up to a year!

There will be a marked DETOUR using Hwy 177 (just west of Warwick), US 62, and Hwy 102 to bypass this closure and reach the far west side of Wellston. This PAVED detour will add about 30 miles to your trip.

UPDATE: There will be a newly-paved local detour of only 5 miles! It will involve a stoplight-controlled narrow bridge over I-44, so it might not be suitable for RVs. More info later.


AVOID trying to dodge this closure by taking I-44/Turner T-Pike between Chandler and Luther. Likely you will encounter heavy traffic and slow downs at the I-44 construction zone. You won't be able to skip the detour by exiting at Wellston either. You would miss Seaba Station, Butcher BBQ, downtown Wellston, the restored Captain Creek Bridge, restored Threatt Station, etc.

PLEASE consider doubling back from Hwy 102 or the local detour on the west side of Wellston, to use 66B and OK 66 to loop thru town. Its a good drive (and takes you close to Butcher BBQ on the east side of town).

More details as they become known.

Arizona road conditions on Apr 06, 2024 at 12:46:08 pm [Print]
Check ahead on http://az511.gov

For current closures and conditions


SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS ABE LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM on Apr 03, 2024 at 11:10:59 pm [Print]
https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/visit/plan-your-visit/directions-parking/

Check the above site for detour info to visit this site during street construction thru summer 2024.Should be no issue if following the EZ route. Also has parking info.

Text messages problem on Mar 30, 2024 at 12:34:43 pm [Print]
Last night, Friday March 29, I suddenly got a batch of undelivered text messages just before midnight.

Most were from folks who wanted to visit the gallery on Friday (perhaps Thursday as well).

Sorry I missed their visit due to this issue

I also at the time got a delayed notice of several voicemails, two of which were from would be visitors.


Hope it was a temp network issue. But if you text me and I don't answer back quickly please try calling. I hope that would work!

sidewalk hiway 9 foot road ribbon road near Miami OK on Mar 29, 2024 at 3:29:20 pm [Print]
The county has recently covered most of this historic road with dirt and gravel, causing even MORE damage and hiding the original pavement from view, as the rest of the Route 66 world is trying to convince them to save it.

here is a call to action by the OK 66 Association:

https://www.facebook.com/OklahomaRoute66/posts/pfbid02n7ZqtqafBs46SxRKbh8oPMNeUTkrzR187hyT43rNrSzMKbJN2rgiabY9uQawafU6l