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!

CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE on Jun 23, 2024 at 10:07:43 pm [Print]

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I have been waiting on reports about the safety of the new visitor center parking for the Missouri side of the Chain of Rocks bridge.

last week someone reported their car broken into and belongings stolen (they had left items in plain view).

So, i am still advising to use the ILLINOIS parking area (and even there, don't leave belongings in plain sight).

BUMP: on Jun 03, 2024 at 1:52:00 am [Print]

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Bump NM page 3
The dirt option is still CLOSED between Glenrio and San Jon at a county bridge that washed out. Evidently there is not a CLOSED sign until you get to the bridge. Driving down the construction road thru the wash is NOT recommended.

KINGMAN AZ I-40 construction alert thru October of 2024 on May 27, 2024 at 4:07:14 pm [Print]

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Starting this week, there will be lane and size restrictions on interstate 40 on a 14 mile section thru October.

The zone is between mileposts 33 and 47 on I-40, west of Kingman. There will be only one lane each direction from 3 am to 8 pm. A 14 foot width limit is in effect.

If you follow old 66 as directed in the EZ 66 Guide from Kingman to Oatman you will avoid this. But NOT if you are driving a big RV or pulling a trailer ( see info on size limit over the mountain pass to Oatman in the EZ 66 Guide on AZ page-24).

NM page-13 on May 21, 2024 at 9:04:29 pm [Print]

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eastbound directions, should say LEFT onto Old Las Vegas Hwy

Joliet Illinois detour on May 05, 2024 at 1:07:12 pm [Print]

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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]

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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]

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Bug Ranch has expanded and moved to the RV park just west of the Big Texan in Amarillo on the I-40 north frontage road. ONLY paint the cars...NOT the sidewalks, etc!

McCOOK ILLINOIS DETOUR on Apr 20, 2024 at 11:32:12 pm [Print]

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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]

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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.

UPDATE 6-1-24: The local detour road is nowhere near completion yet.