We’ll post information for our travelers to find, and navigate, the historic route as it traversed Illinois. As this becomes available, we’ll share the alignments for you…
Welco Corners – Gardner Alignments
Welco Corners is approximately where I-55 and Joliet Road (Historic Route 66) meet. Two major alignments split from this area, one is the original route passing through Joliet (1926-1939) and the other bypasses Joliet, instead going through Plainfield (1939-1956). Much of the first alignment can still be driven, while the later bypass is a bit trickier, with much of the roadbed now under I-55.
Springfield US 66 1926-1930
The original routing for the highway when it followed the existing SBI (State Bond Issue) 4. This alignment took a meandering path through the state capitol.
Chatham to Staunton; US 66 1926-1930
The temporary alignment of US 66 when it followed the existing SBI (State Bond Issue) 4, in use until the intended alignment to the east was completed. This alignment includes the iconic Auburn Brick Road and Nilwood Turkey Tracks.
Route 66 Bridges from Illinois to Missouri
An article covering the five bridges that cross the Mississippi that at one time or another were utilized by US 66. While all of these bridges still exist, only three are still available to regular vehicular traffic.