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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Construction between Amboy CA and Kelbaker Rd on Apr 08, 2026 at 3:29:21 am [Print]
Tim Augustine reported today (which confirms an earlier report)

"Here is a current update on Route 66 east of Amboy, California.
We just drove through Amboy on Sunday. They are currently rebuilding 3 bridges between Amboy and Kelbaker Road (the current detour back to/from I-40). They have short unpaved detours around each bridge with 2 way traffic. A full stop is required before entering the dirt bypasses.
They look like they will start on a couple other bridges in this section when these are finished. " end of Tim's report

Ber advised if you take the kelbaker Rd detour to and from I-40 to get to Amboy, these short detours will require driving on short unpaved bypasses. If you aze not comfortable driving on dirt roads, then stay on I-40 from the Fenner exit to Ludlow. (the long stretch of 66 east from Chambliss to Fenner is still closed). See CA maps 1 and 2 in the EZ 66 Guide.

GALENA KS on Apr 01, 2026 at 1:14:01 pm [Print]
Must be the morning for restaurant news that came too late for the 6th edition!
"Hot Rod Hangout Speed Shop and Diner" just opened on 66 in Galena KS (a couple blocks south of CARS on the ROUTE.

TUCUMCARI RESTAURANTS NM page-4 on Apr 01, 2026 at 12:58:29 pm [Print]
The 6th edition comes out next week, but I already have updates to report!

First bad news: Watsons BBQ in Tucumcari is CLOSED. property has sold and owners are retiring.

Good news: After the restaurant Kix on 66 burned, they moved to a food trailer. Now they are back OPEN along 66 at "SIDEKIX" 321 E Route 66 Blvd

EZ 66 6TH EDITION AVAILABLE! UPDATE 4-16 on Mar 31, 2026 at 2:00:34 pm [Print]
The 6th Edition of the EZ 66 Guide is now available from may sources.
Check my publisher at www.national66.org

Or try one of the shops along 66. For example, Spencer Station (west of Gay Parita MO) will have it online too. spencerstation.com

Here's an ebay seller:
https://www.ebay.com/str/1andonlycollectibles
https://www.ebay.com/itm/336526425834

Look foe '6th EDITION' on the cover, and copyright date of 2026

If you sell them let me know!

BRIDGEPORT HILL ROUGH on Mar 31, 2026 at 1:54:39 pm [Print]
BRIDGEPORT HILL (OK page-26) is east of the famous Pony Bridge. This short section (less than 2 miles) is ROUGH. GO SLOW.

If you are in an RV or sports car or motorcycle, you can opt to detour around this stretch. Westbound, don't turn off of US 281 SPUR onto Historic 66. INSTEAD---Continue 1.7 miles on US 281 SPUR (AKA "BUS 281"),then LEFT onto US 281. This takes you back down to rejoin old 66 and on to cross the Pony Bridge.

Eastbound, after crossing the bridge, continue on US 281 (don't "turn right (first chance). About 2 miles past the bridge, TURN RIGHT onto US 281 SPUR (BUS 281)

UPCOMING ROAD CONSTRUCTION BETWEEN ST ROBERT AND WAYNSEVILLE MO on Mar 25, 2026 at 1:41:10 am [Print]
UPCOMING TRAFFIC ADVISORY, I-44 / EXIT 159 CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS
Pulaski County, Missouri
Beginning Monday, March 30, 2026, construction operations near Interstate 44 at Exit 159 in St. Robert will begin affecting traffic in and around that area.
(MCJERRY NOTE: EXIT 159 IS WHERE 66 CROSSES I-44 BETWEEN ST ROBERT AND WAYNESVILLE...THESE BLASTING OPERATIONS WILL AFFECT 66- SEE BELOW))

(Beginning Monday, March 30, 2026, Tuesday March 31st OR **Wednesday April 1st, approximately 8 am until complete, AND **Friday, April 3rd, and **Monday April 6th 8 am until complete)

Based on information provided by MODOT, this project will include preshot blasting operations on the westbound side of I-44 near the 159-mile marker. These operations will require temporary rolling roadblocks and traffic stoppages, and they are expected to impact normal travel for motorists throughout the area and could last up to 30 minutes or more.
WHAT TO EXPECT: BIG BIG BOOMS to clear rock.
**Tuesday March 31st OR **Wednesday April 1st, approximately 8 am until complete, AND **Friday, April 3rd, and **Monday April 6th 8 am until complete.
• Temporary traffic stoppages on Interstate 44.
• Rolling roadblocks may occur between the 150 eastbound ramp and the 169 westbound ramp.
Temporary closures or traffic interruptions will also affect:
- Old Route 66.
- St. Robert Boulevard
- I-44 East and West bound
**After each operation is complete, Old Route 66 will immediately be opened back up as long as there is no rock debris.
The westbound ON-RAMP at Exit 159 is expected to be closed for approximately 74 days, beginning sometime between April 8 and April 10, 2026.
IMPORTANT:
If you travel this area regularly for work, school, appointments, Fort Leonard Wood, or daily business, plan ahead.
Leave earlier than normal.
Expect delays.
Use alternate routes when possible.
WHAT WE ASK FROM THE PUBLIC:
• Avoid the Exit 159 area during known blasting times if possible
• Expect delays.
• Leave earlier than normal if you must travel through the area.
• Be patient with construction crews and traffic control personnel.
Sheriff Stacy L. Ball
Pulaski County Sheriff

6TH EDITION SOON! on Mar 19, 2026 at 2:56:11 am [Print]
The 6th Edition should be out in early APRIL. Watch for updates. It will say "6th Edition" on the cover.

DOOLITTLE MO DETOUR MO PAGE-14 on Mar 19, 2026 at 2:54:27 am [Print]
The overpass at Exit 176 west of DOOLITTLE, MO is CLOSED until mid May at least.
WESTBOUND DETOUR FROM ROLLA: About 5.5 miles west from the traffic circle/roundabout on Rolla's west side, take Hwy T north (RIGHT) from Doolittle. JOIN I-44 WEST to EXIT 172 and continue THE WB directions. (You are skipping old 66 between DOOLITTLE and EXIT 176).

EB (eastbound) is not affected (as of now)

CARTHAGE MO BRIDGES CLOSED MO PAGE-25 on Mar 06, 2026 at 3:09:45 pm [Print]
Here we go again! The 6th edition is not yet out and (as of the end of February 2026) there is already a road closure due to two deteriorated bridges on the north side of Carthage MO!

Fortunately, this is on the OPTION "EASTSIDE #2 ALT 66" and NOT the main tour route. SO...IGNORE this OPTION and just follow the direction boxes to enjoy Carthage. (NOTE...Garrison SOUTH of HWY 96 is OPEN).

The ALT 66 route that used HWY V from the east, then turned south on Garrison (former US 71), crossed a couple of long concrete viaducts/bridges north of Carthage...these have been PERMANENTLY CLOSED.

This section of Garrison is now blocked between Hwy V (actually Java St) on the north, and High St on the south.

Perhaps the city will build new bridges...someday in the future. But I was able to remove this OPTION ALT 66 from the EZ 66 Guide before printing. I doubt I will include this route in a far future edition...without the classic viaducts it really won't be the same.

Gallup NM east on Feb 22, 2026 at 3:46:10 pm [Print]
Starting 2-23, 2026 and thru the "summer months" Route 66 through traffic will have to use I-40 between New Mexico Exit 36 (Iyanbito) and Exit 26 (east entry into Gallup) due to bridge removal and construction. This is an 11 mile section of 66 that runs between the railroad and I-40. In other words, headed WB don't get off I-40 at exit 36. EB, get on east I-40 at Exit 26.