The Transition: From US 66 to Interstate Highways

From the heyday of Route 66 to its decommissioning, the United States Interstate Highway System played a crucial role in replacing this iconic road. Between the 1950s and the 1980s, several interstate highways gradually took over the east-west traffic responsibilities once managed by US 66, resulting in significant changes to the American landscape.

The Interstate Parkways

The Interstate Highway Network introduced a series of new interstates that systematically replaced parts of US 66, serving different segments across the country. Here is an overview of how each interstate highway assumed the role of US 66.

I-55

I-55 supplanted US 66 from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri. This stretch of the Interstate Highway served as a major east-west route, connecting urban centers and facilitating cross-country travel.

I-44

I-44 covered the route from St. Louis, Missouri to part of Oklahoma. This highway not only replaced the former US 66 but also provided a more efficient route for traffic, adapting to the needs of modern transportation.

I-40

I-40 was yet another Interstate Highway that took over a significant portion of US 66. Extending from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, through Texas, New Mexico, and a large part of Arizona, it became the new backbone of cross-country travel in the southwestern United States.

I-15 and I-10

In California, I-15 supplanted a section of US 66 in San Bernardino, while I-10 picked up the mantle in the Los Angeles region. Both these highways preserved the spirit of Route 66 but adapted to the modern demands of transportation infrastructure.

The Role of State and Local Authorities

While the Interstate Highways became the primary highways connecting major cities, state and local authorities played a significant role in preserving parts of the old Route 66. They assigned public thruways and local streets to pieces of the original road, serving as a nod to history.

Preserved Sections and Historical Assignments

Illinois residents can still see remnants of US 66 on Route 4 or as a designated Memorable Highway 66. In Missouri, portions of the old highway are maintained as part of the Public Highway 66. Meanwhile, in California, stretches of the original US 66 have been preserved and marked as Noteworthy Highway 66, allowing travelers and history enthusiasts to relive the past.

The Impact on Travel and Tourism

The transition from US 66 to interstate highways was not just a logistical change but also a cultural and historic one. Interstate highways were designed to handle modern traffic demands, providing faster and more direct routes. However, many parts of the old Route 66 have been kept for their nostalgic and historical value, attracting tourists and history buffs interested in experiencing the golden era of American road travel.