Route 66 became a popular route because of the active promotion of the U.S 66 Highway Association, which advertised it as “the shortest, best and most scenic route from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles.”
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Route 66's popularity led to its downfall, with traffic swelling beyond its two-lane capacity. In 1956, legislation created the Interstate System, and over the course of three decades, five separate interstates bypassed segment after segment of Route 66.
Although it is no longer possible to drive US 66 uninterrupted all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles, much of the original route and alternate alignments are still drivable with careful planning. Some stretches are quite well preserved, including one between Springfield, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Practicalities of driving Route 66You need around three weeks to complete Route 66. There is no perfect time to drive Route 66. Due to its sheer size, you're likely to experience some adverse weather conditions, whatever the month.
And it's a prime example of a rebirth of Route 66 that's occurring in various parts of the country. Town leaders here decided to use the history of the famous road to their advantage, 20 large murals, a museum of Route 66 collectibles, and much more, all bringing in tourists from around the world.
Migration and tourism shaped towns along Route 66 even before the road was officially established in 1926. But the Interstate Highway System decimated many of these communities when it circumvented Route 66 in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today, many sections of Route 66 are completely gone.
Strictly speaking, Las Vegas is not on Route 66. Fortunately, this city is a either the beginning or the end point for Route 66 Tours, and it's one of our favourite destinations.
May and September are considered good months to travel Route 66 if you're not a fan of the intense heat that comes with the summer months - you get the benefits of fair weather and reduced tourism. June, July and August are the peak months in terms of both tourism and temperature.
Only one state, Montana, is left unspoiled with no daytime speed limit. At night, speeds are restricted to 65 mph on interstate highways and 55 mph on two-lanes.