Illinois releases new Route 66 map to mark highway’s 100th anniversary
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Transportation has released a new Illinois Route 66 map to mark the historic highway’s 100th anniversary this year.
The map highlights attractions, towns and landmarks along the Illinois portion of the famed roadway while also providing a historical timeline of the route’s development and cultural significance.
“The new Route 66 map is a must for enthusiasts and road trippers celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said. “You can get your kicks with a detailed overview of the highway as it stretches across Illinois, highlighting towns large and small that are perfect for pit stops and Route 66’s legendary roadside attractions.”
Officials say the centennial celebration is expected to bring together preservationists, tourism leaders and Route 66 enthusiasts from around the world. The map is intended to serve as a guide for travelers exploring Illinois while also honoring the highway’s history.
The map was developed in partnership with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“The last Illinois Route 66 paper map was created in 1998, so it’s incredibly exciting to see a new version celebrating the Mother Road,” said Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. “Route 66 has always been about Americana, nostalgia and the joy of the journey, so having something fresh that travelers can hold in their hands will spark curiosity and inspire road trips.”
The map was funded through the Federal Highway Administration and published by IDOT on recycled paper using vegetable-based inks.
Free copies of the map can be requested online at BoBS3925 – Illinois Map Request or by emailing DOT.Maps@illinois.gov. Maps will also be available at interstate rest areas throughout Illinois.
