Alternative 4:
Commemorative Redesignation by Congress
CONCEPT AND PHILOSOPHY
This alternative would provide for a consistently signed Route 66 driving experience.
It would be similar to the "No New Federal Action" alternative with the
exception of a one-time federal involvement. The various alignments of Route 66 would be
marked so that visitors could drive between Chicago and Los Angeles along the historic
path of the route. Commemorative designation would not require that any road
rehabilitation or reconstruction be done. Federal involvement would be limited to the
legislation required to designate Route 66 as a commemorative highway and funding for the
original signs. Emphasis would be on directing the driving experience to as many of the
remaining original sections of the highway as possible. Interstate highways would be used
where original sections of roadway cannot be directly linked.
MANAGEMENT
The federal government would provide initial congressional commemorative redesignation,
recognition, and informational/directional signs along the entire route. It would then be
up to the states, counties, communities, and organizations along the corridor to adopt,
preserve, interpret, or promote the route. Although existing federal programs would
continue, maintenance of the route's signs would be the responsibility of these nonfederal
agencies.
RESOURCE TREATMENT
Route 66 would be consistently signed. Signs might incorporate dates to distinguish
between parallel alignments. Those segments that have been replaced with interstate
highway would also be supplied with directional and informational signs where appropriate
to help visitors navigate older, original alignments.
VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND INTERPRETATION
The visitor experience would be centered around driving the path of Route 66. While
adventurous travelers are able to drive much of the route today, the use of consistent
signs would make finding the way considerably easier and would raise awareness of the
route in the consciousness of travelers. Directional and informational signs on
interstates would be designed to help visitors leave the interstate and travel older Route
66 alignments. Beyond the initial federal sign program, all interpretive and visitor
experience efforts would be left to local and individual initiatives.
IMPLICATIONS
There would be minimal new federal involvement. A one-time commitment of federal funds
would provide designation and consistent signs. This alternative would be relatively
inexpensive for the federal government. The maintenance of the signs would be the
responsibility of local and state organizations. Cooperation from state highway
departments would be necessary for the success of this alternative.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Federal legislation would be required for commemorative designation of Route 66 and to
provide funding for the sign program.
Reprinted from:
Special Resource Study Route 66
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service (See Credits)
NPS D-4 July 1995.
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