safety issues on rt. 66

[Tim and Dee Elliott]

hi all. I ran across this great site when I was scoping out the rt along old 66 to Az from pa. We are relocating to Douglas but the kids and I are leaving ahead of my husband. I have always wanted to see 66 and thought this would be a great time to do it but after reading different things I am now concerned that it may not be the wisest or safest route for just me and the kids to be traveling alone. I would appreciate any feedback or recommendations from those with some experience with this and other routes.

Thank you so much

Dee

[Patrick M.]

I assume you are relocating to Douglas Arizona?

Other than taking normal precautions, I would assume any travel on the blue highways would be very safe. We drove about 5,000 miles last year on non-Interstate and I can't recall any place or area that seemed unsafe. I don't see anything bad about the old 66 route these days and have been on much of it ourselves over the years.

Of course, if you are traveling this winter you would need to prepare for snow and ice, and Interstates may be preferred for some segments as a result of the weather.

Good luck and have fun!

[Adrian W]

Not sure how much of Route 66 is left standing, much of it in New Mexico parallels I-40 and in places it maybe replaced with I-40, where it remains I would think it would be safe. Across Texas and Oklahoma I believe it is much the same but not all of it will be following I-40 in OK. There are signs off the interstate saying where sections of 66 are still around in NM and OK. In Albuquerque it runs through but often in seedy areas, but there are Route 66 museums in other places in OK and the old gas stations, cafes and motels in both NM and OK and I assume other states.

Are you planning on dropping down to Douglas at Albuquerque or over in AZ. The shortest route would be Albuquerque to Hatch, then take SR26 which is a short cut to Deming and on to Lordsburg; past Lordsburg take SR80 at exit 5 @ Road Forks for Radio and on to Douglas.

The Interstates are always safer in my mind; no oncoming traffic, no stop lights, noone pulling out from side roads, but crazes are out there, whereever, always be alert.

Have a safe trip and a happy one. Welcome to the Southwest. This should be a good year for the wildflowers blooming.

the DesertHawk

[Patrick M.]

Thank you so much

Always glad to help out, Dee.

Dee?

Helloooo Dee!

[Tim and Dee Elliott]

Thank you so much for the help and yes we will take the route into Az that you mentioned.

[George Cathcart]

Route 66 University

Here's a nice resource for Rt. 66 information:

http://www.route66university.com/index.php