Dave Clark Discussing Early Illinois Roadbuilding

If you ever want to know anything about Illinois highways, Route 66 in particular, a great source of information is Dave Clark, the Windy City Road Warrior.

I came across this information in an e-mail group where a member was asking about the Route 66 bypasses around downstate towns. Route 66 replaced Illinois Highway 4 for the most part.

Dave said the primary goal of the Illinois state roadbuilders before the advent of the US highways in 1928 was to build and pave roads between towns. Roads would be built up to the city limits and then it was up to the city to build and maintain the portions within their borders. Signage would direct travelers to the business districts. In the 1920s, a new law allowed the state to build within towns of 2500 or fewer population.

By the time of the US highways, a lot of businesses had grown up on Illinois 4 and travelers were complaining about dangerous intersections, traffic, and low speed limits. So two-lane bypasse were built around around the towns. By the late 30s and 40s, a second two lane was built and there were now a four-lane divided bypass. These still exist in Springfield, Pontiac, Lincoln, and Bloomington.

However, these had no access restrictions. Gas stations, diners, and motels moved out to the bypass, and soon these had the same problems as going through towns. The final step was limiting access which came with the interstates starting in 1955.

Dave has a great web site and, if you're ever in Chicago, he'll be happy to give you a reasonably-priced guided tour of architecture and Route 66 through the city.

www.windycityroadwarrior.com

So, Route 66 Was Like an Interstate Itself, Sort Of. --RoadDog