Over the next fifty years, the road carried travellers of all kinds: migrants from the Dust Bowl, military personnel, truckers, farmers, and eventually holidaymakers. Enterprising business people along the road quickly recognised the need for food, lodging and auto services - Illinois was no exception and the great American road trip prospered.
Ultimately, the desire for faster, safer and more efficient roadways led to the construction of a 4-lane Route 66 following World War II. In addition to extra lanes, the road realigned to bypass the small towns that had grown accustomed to heavy traffic and the commerce that came with it. By 1977, Interstate 55 had completely replaced Route 66 in Illinois and in 1984 the last remaining section of US 66 in Arizona was bypassed by Interstate 40. Route 66 was officially decommissioned by the federal government in 1985.
Fortunately, the legacy of Route 66 has survived. Today, travellers of the historic highway in Illinois can cruise more than 400 miles, including some of the 1926 concrete segments. Historically significant structures have been preserved to help bring your Route 66 holiday experience to life.