#Route66 #InterstateRoutes #Reroutes #Iterations #RoadTrips
Have you ever wondered why Route 66 had so many iterations and reroutes while Interstate routes seem to stay put? 🤔 Let’s take a deep dive into the history and factors that led to the many changes in Route 66.
## The Beginnings of Route 66
Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” was established in 1926 as one of the first highways in the U.S. highway system. It originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, spanning over 2,400 miles. This iconic route quickly became popular for road trips and served as a crucial link connecting small towns and communities along its path.
### Factors Influencing Reroutes
1. **Economic Development:** As cities grew and new industries emerged, the need for better transportation infrastructure became apparent. This led to the construction of new and improved highways, including Interstate routes, to accommodate the increasing traffic and economic activity.
2. **Technological Advancements:** With advancements in engineering and transportation technology, newer highways were designed to be faster, safer, and more efficient than older routes like Route 66. These improvements often necessitated rerouting to optimize travel times and road conditions.
3. **Urban Expansion:** As urban areas expanded, existing roadways like Route 66 were often bypassed or realigned to avoid congestion and improve traffic flow. Interstate routes were strategically planned to connect major cities and metropolitan areas, leading to the gradual phasing out of older highways like Route 66.
## The Legacy of Route 66
Despite the many iterations and reroutes over the years, Route 66 remains a symbol of American road culture and nostalgia. Many sections of the original route have been preserved as historic landmarks, attracting tourists and road trip enthusiasts from around the world.
In contrast, Interstate routes are designed to be efficient and direct, with fewer deviations and reroutes. This difference in approach reflects the evolving priorities of transportation planning and infrastructure development in the United States.
So, while Route 66 may have had its fair share of twists and turns, its enduring legacy as a cultural icon continues to captivate travelers and historians alike. The next time you hit the open road, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and unique stories that make Route 66 a legendary highway worth exploring. 🚗🛣️
Remember, sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. #RoadTrip #ExploreAmerica #HistoricHighways
Route 66 went to places. That is a very different concept than “going across the nation”. The whole Eisenhower Interstate System concept was for a completely different sort of road network, that went “by places” rather than “through places”.
Route 66 is part of the U.S. numbered highways system, which is distinct from the interstate highway system. The U.S. numbered highways system is in fact the precursor, and can be treated as the result of the first attempt to formally define a national highway system with uniform markings (previously, these highways were designated/maintained by local private entities). As a result, it did take a bit of trial and error to determine the various routes, and other changes occurred later to better facilitate traffic.
Route 66 started at a time when rods went between towns connecting the business districts. As Henry Ford sold more model Ts traffic became a problem even in small towns, a road was built around the town, then the business moved to the new road, wash rinse repeat. Take a look at Gartner or Litchfield IL. For larger realignments think about advances in bridge and road building tech. Look at Devils Elbow in Missouri. 2 lane 66 is teardrop road and follows the river, 4 lane 66 cuts the corners. In other places there just wasn’t a road, look at Clines Corner in NM. Early 66 veered north from Santa Rosa connecting to the road to Santa Fe and then back south to Albuquerque, eventually the road was built straight west cutting out the Santa Fe loop.