BRIDGEPORT HILL ROUGH on Mar 31, 2026 at 1:54:39 pm [Print]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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.

NO MORE DETOUR IN WELLSTON, OK! on Dec 17, 2025 at 9:40:36 pm [Print]

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FINALLY AT LONG LAST ROUTE 66 THRU WELLSTON OK IS OPEN!
At least that is what the Wellston OK FB page is reporting as of this afternoon!
You can now drive straight thru on 66 from Chandler to Wellston and beyond.
Yay! No more 3 mile detour! No more detour maps!
Be careful thru this section as there may yet be final finishing work.

BUMP GEMINI GIANT MOVED on Sep 09, 2025 at 2:28:25 pm [Print]

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WILMINGTON ILLINOIS NEW LOCATION OF GEMINI GIANT
DO NOT STOP AT THE FORMER "LAUNCHING PAD" RESTAURANT SITE ON THE EAST SIDE OF WILMINGTON, ILLINOIS!

It closed a while back, and the GEMINI GIANT is now at his NEW HOME, just WEST of downtown Wilmington.

VISITORS TO THE FORMER RESTAURANT SITE ARE NOT WELCOME.

Again, don't stop there. Drive on by to visit the Gemini Giant in his friendly NEW home.

Except for that, Wilmington is a GREAT place to visit. There is a new 'LANDING PAD" gift shop by the relocated GIANT, and historic downtown is worth a visit.

Catoosa Oklahoma on Sep 05, 2025 at 2:01:05 am [Print]

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The blue whale is closed while a new gift shop etc is built. You can view the whale from the road but be careful if you park.

TEXAS UPDATES on Aug 10, 2025 at 8:05:11 pm [Print]

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Thanks to Ray from Amarillo:


The overpass at Cadiillac Ranch is OPEN.