Why US Highway 66 Could Not Simply Run Concurrent to Interstate 40

US Highway 66, also known as Route 66, was a significant part of American transportation history established in 1926. This iconic route played a crucial role in connecting the Midwest to the West Coast and became synonymous with the American road trip experience during the Great Depression and post-World War II era.

Introduction to US Highway 66 and the Interstate Highway System

US Highway 66 was one of the earliest highways in the United States, running from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California. It was a testament to the nation's burgeoning love for the automobile and the concept of road travel. The development of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s, however, aimed to provide a more efficient and direct route for long-distance travel and freight transport. This system introduced Interstate 40 (I-40), which was designed to offer a more streamlined path between major cities, sometimes bypassing towns that Route 66 had traditionally served.

Key Reasons for the Non-Concurrent Paths of US Highway 66 and Interstate 40

Differences in Design Standards

One of the primary reasons why US Highway 66 could not run concurrent to I-40 was the significant difference in design standards. Interstate highways, such as I-40, are built to higher standards than older highways. They feature controlled access, higher speed limits, and no at-grade intersections. In contrast, US Highway 66 included numerous local roads, intersections, and lower speed limits, which made it less suitable for the high-speed, direct traffic that Interstate highways are designed for.

Routing and Alignment

The routing and alignment of Interstate 40 also played a crucial role in why the two highways did not run concurrently. I-40 was designed to take a more direct path between major cities, which often meant it deviated from the original Route 66 alignment. In some areas, I-40 bypassed towns that Route 66 had once served. This was done to reduce travel time and improve traffic flow, making the journey more efficient for long-distance travelers and freight transport.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Route 66 holds significant historical and cultural value, representing the essence of the American road trip experience and the rise of car culture. Maintaining its distinct identity was vital to preserving its legacy. If Route 66 had run concurrently with I-40, it would have been diluted, losing the character and charisma that made it such an iconic part of American culture.

State and Local Regulations

The conversion of a U.S. highway to an interstate route often involves complex regulatory and legal considerations. Each state has its own priorities and regulations regarding road management and maintenance. Balancing these interests while ensuring the efficient functioning of the Interstate Highway System was a delicate task, adding another layer of challenge to the concurrent routing of US Highway 66 and I-40.

Economic Considerations

Many towns along Route 66 depended on the traffic generated by the highway for their economies. These communities often thrived on the influx of visitors and tourists who used Route 66. Routing I-40 along the same path could have had a detrimental impact on these communities by diverting traffic and the economic benefits associated with it. This economic factor further complicated the idea of running the two highways concurrently.

Conclusion: The Unfeasibility of Concurrent Routed US Highway 66 and Interstate 40

In summary, while it might have seemed practical for US Highway 66 to run concurrently with Interstate 40, the differences in design standards, routing, historical and cultural significance, regulatory frameworks, and economic impacts made such an arrangement unfeasible. As a result, many portions of Route 66 were decommissioned or transformed into local roads following the establishment of the Interstate Highway System.