Rolla MO on Feb 12, 2020 at 5:27:32 pm [Print]

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They've really reworked 66 on the west end of Rolla by adding a NEW highway connection to MO 72 into the mix. This cuts formerly continuous Kingshighway just east of the roundabout.

WB: follow KingsHighway west. Curve to the stoplight at MO HWY 72: Turn RIGHT and continue to the roundabout and follow signs onto Martin Springs Drive.

EB: follow Martin Springs Drive into Rolla.

AT JCT 44. KEEP RIGHT to bypass the roundabout (or you can follow the lane thru the roundabout if you miss this) and briefly join MO 72 (follow signs: BL 44 ROLLA). Quickly prepare for a LEFT TURN at upcoming stoplight. Turn LEFT onto BL-44/Kingshighway.

(this is why I drive old 66 both directions as often as possible).

Essex to Amboy detour on Jan 30, 2020 at 8:42:32 pm [Print]

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The current detour via I-40 and Kelbaker road from Essex CA to Amboy CA (see CA maps 1 and 2) will likely still be effect into 2023. Federal funding is set to rebuild many of the damaged bridges, but others wait their turn. DO NOT attempt to drive past the signs!

DETOUR DETAILS:
Due to washouts from heavy storms the route between Essex CA and Chambless (Cadiz Jct) CA is currently CLOSED.

See the maps on CA page 2 and 6. This detour route below is indicated.

Westbound, JOIN I-40 west from Goffs Rd/Fenner at Exit 107. Take EXIT 78 Kelbaker Rd SOUTH (across I-40) for 11.5 miles back down to 66 / National Trails Hwy, then turn RIGHT to Amboy.

Eastbound, go thru Amboy, then LEFT on Kelbaker Road for 11.5 miles to I-40. Join I-40 EAST to EXIT 107 Goffs Rd/Fenner and rejoin the tour route.

NOTE: THE FORMERLY ROUGH OPTION ROUTE BETWEEN LUDLOW AND NEWBERRY SPRINGS IN NOW IN GOOD CONDITION AS REPORTED BY MANY READERS (and i drove it too).. Its OK to drive now. POSSIBLY some wight limits on this stretch. Check ahead if driving a heavy rig.

misc on Sep 11, 2019 at 8:21:19 pm [Print]

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Be sure to scroll down for DETOURS in OK, NM and especially CA (plus two road re-openings in that state).

La bajada Hill on Aug 27, 2019 at 2:33:55 pm [Print]

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All access to the old route down La Bajada Hill, from below and above, has been cut off. I never recommended trying to reach the top of the mesa from the Santa Fe side...but just want to let you know in case you are following other info. The bottom, as i reported last year or so, has been gated off and cant be approached from that direction, not even to reach the old bridge at the bottom.

HOLBROOK AZ on Aug 11, 2019 at 7:15:52 pm [Print]

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Juliens Roadrunner appears to be closed.

WILLIAMSVILLE IL on Aug 06, 2019 at 2:01:15 pm [Print]

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The former "Die cast auto sales" is now "Frank's" owned by Jason Hayward. Thanks to Bella for these last two updates!

Gasconade river bridge on Aug 03, 2019 at 12:12:32 am [Print]

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MO page-17: You can now drive old 66 between exit 145 and exit 140 east of Lebanon. A new outer road bridge has been opened, bypassing the closed and endangered 1923 Gasconade river bridge. You do NOT have to "JOIN I-40 WEST or EAST anymore. There is a side road that will let you get closer to the old bridge.

NM page -25 on Jul 31, 2019 at 1:40:18 am [Print]

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I have it on reliable authority that the FOLK ART ALERT on this page is now abandoned and overgrown and not worth a visit anymore.

MIAMI OK on Jul 16, 2019 at 7:45:20 pm [Print]

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The Vintage iron Motorcycle Museum appears to be defunct. I looked in the dusty windows last Sunday and there was no merchandise on the gift shop shelves, and the rest looked empty, with just a few bikes visible in a back room.

I tried to call the number on their website, which still indicates it is OPEN (as do other websites), but no luck.

Looking at recent reviews, I found many from disappointed would be visitors reporting that it had liquidated and closed this year.

MO page 23 on Jul 13, 2019 at 2:44:08 pm [Print]

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Just a reminder that since the last edition Gay Parita has indeed been reopened by the late Gary Turner's daughter Barb and her husband George. Good folks!