GRAND CANYON WATER ISSUES on Aug 29, 2024 at 3:10:35 am [Print]

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Due to water supply problems, the lodging, etc at the south rim of the grand Canyon will be closed. Check ahead to see about your reservations until this is resolved.
" Overnight stay at Grand Canyon hotels and lodges is closed starting tomorrow and strict water restrictions are being put in place due to waterline breaks."

ST LOUIS ARCH on Aug 29, 2024 at 3:08:53 am [Print]

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The lights of the arch will not be lit during September 2024

McLEAN TO ALANREED TEXAS DETOUR on Aug 29, 2024 at 2:58:40 am [Print]

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Yet another detour.

On TX-page 6, to get to Alanreed from McLean (or visa versa) you will need to follow BUS 40 west out of town to join I-40 westbound (EXIT 141) and take the interstate to Alanreed (EXIT 135).

EB, join I-40 at Alanreed via EXIT 135 and take I-40 to Mclean (hopefully the overpass for the EASTBOUND off ramp from I-40 to Bus 40/66 into McLean will be open. If not, use EXIT 142.)

The I-40 overpass between Exit 141 and exit 142 is being worked on, so they have closed the access road to old 66 below, necessitating the detour, which may last 6 months.

See the map of the DIRT 66 OPTION on TX page-5. This detour does not affect using Hwy 273 to drop south to CO RD BB (it DOES block CO RD 26, buit that is not part of the option).

Thanks to Brady and other good folks from the TX 66 Assoc!.

DETOUR AZ page-14 on Aug 23, 2024 at 10:01:21 pm [Print]

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Starting August 26, 2024, a DETOUR lasting up to 65 days will be in effect between Parks and Williams, Arizona.

This
short detour will be marked. here's details:

WB traffic (from Parks, AZ) will turn (LEFT/SOUTH) on Sherwood Forest Rd, then RIGHT/WEST on E Pittman Valley Rd and RIGHT/NORTH up Cool Pines Rd to I-40 EXIT 171. From there, take I-40 to Williams, OR use GRAVEL OPTION 2.

EB: Take EXIT 171 (if not on the Gravel Option), turn RIGHT (SOUTH) on Cool Pines Rd, then LEFT(EAST) on E Pittman Valley Rd, and LEFT (NORTH) on Sherwood Forest Rd, crossing I-40. Once back at 66, turn RIGHT (EAST) to Pines, AZ.
Drive carefully and watch speed limits on the short detour (You could get on I-40 at Parks and continue to Williams, but the drive west from Parks is nice)

This detour actually uses part of the earlier (pre 1930) alignment of US 66 via Pitman Rd!

See Jim Ross Deep track AZ map #47 at jimross66.com:

RICH HENRY IL page-21 on Aug 19, 2024 at 10:22:00 pm [Print]

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Sadly, our friend Rich Henry of Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois has passed away. This is a huge blow to Route 66. He will be mourned and missed by people around the world who had the pleasure of meeting him and his rabbit mascots.

The disposition of his collection currently on outside display is unknown. If you visit the Rabbit Ranch for now, please be respectful to his family and avoid trespassing on the property.

construction between Wellston and Arcadia OK on Aug 19, 2024 at 10:09:47 pm [Print]

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There is paving work currently on 66 just west of Wellston. Also, work continues from near Luther towards Arcadia.

MOTORCYCLES should use caution.

NEW BRIDGEPORT DETOUR! on Aug 14, 2024 at 2:59:28 pm [Print]

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UPdate 8-15: Starting September 9, there will be a NEW DETOUR between El Reno and Bridgeport, OK!

This will require travel via I-40 between EXIT 108 (Spur 281) and EXIT 101 (US 282/Hinton JCT...see OK map #5).

This is due to the upcoming replacement of a bridge just west of the famous PONY BRIDGE, which was recently reopened after a year and a half or restoration.

SO, the DETOUR notes in the current 5th edition are STILL IN EFFECT after September 9 (and until this project is done..estimated up to 5 months). They are just not for the Pony bridge...but same result as far as closure of 66.

You MAY be able to drive to see the Pony Bridge via the east side. there is a new parking area and turn around on the east side. But this is not guaranteed yet.

Barstow museum closed on Jul 22, 2024 at 1:50:22 am [Print]

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The Route 66 Mother road museum in Barstow is closed permanently due to water damage to the bldg. The collection has been moved to other area museums.

OLD TACOSCA DRIVE IN THEATER AMARILLO TEXAS tx page-11 on Jul 20, 2024 at 3:31:20 pm [Print]

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This drive in theater will reopen around July 26, 2024 after being closed for about a year, say the new owners. Its about a mile north of 66 on US 287

BUMP on Jul 09, 2024 at 4:08:57 pm [Print]

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UPDATE 8-14-24: THIS ROAD WILL AGAIN BE CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION STARTING SEPTEMBER 9! SEE FULL DESCRIPTION IN ANOTHER UPDATE.

The famous Pony Bridge between El Reno and Bridgeport, OK reopened after a year-and-a half restoration yesterday evening!

IGNORE (UNTIL 9- 9-24) 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 (originally they forecast the reconstruction to last "thru 2025" so ignore that!).

This bridge will carry 66 into the centennial and beyond!