Federal, state officials salute Route 66

In Springfield this morning to recognize the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, federal, state and local governmental leaders gathered at a local church to pay tribute to the Mother Road.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster were among officials on hand at Crossway Baptist Church to recognize the state’s central role in the creation and legacy of Route 66. The event also highlighted major infrastructure improvements underway along the Interstate 44 corridor, seen as a primary modern successor to Route 66.

In a news release, McMaster recognized the national significance of Route 66 and praised Missouri’s progress on I‑44 through the Forward 44 program, noting the strong partnership driving the work. Forward 44 is an ongoing Missouri Department of Transportation project that, in part, is replacing 2.8 million square feet of original I-44 pavement from the 1960s, covering 5 miles in Springfield, project officials say. The project cost is $72 million, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. 

“Under the leadership of President Trump and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, we are getting this country building again by getting back to basics,” McMaster said in the release. “Route 66 is more than just a highway. It’s a symbol of the transformative power of transportation and how infrastructure can shape a nation. Together with Missouri, we are committed to delivering a transportation system that works for Americans, and there’s no better place to do it than right here on Route 66.”

Kehoe highlighted the cultural and economic importance of Route 66, noting how the same pioneering spirit moves Missouri forward today, according to the release.

“Just like 100 years ago, Missouri benefits by serving as a crossroads for commerce, travel, agriculture and opportunity,” Kehoe said in the release. “Missouri may be the historic birthplace of Route 66, but the work happening on I‑44 and projects across our state reflects our commitment to the future. As we celebrate our past, we are committed to improving Missouri’s infrastructure for the future.”

At the event, Springfield City Manager David Cameron said the municipality works with federal, state, regional and local partners to deliver projects that go beyond moving traffic.

“Through efforts like Forward 44 project, the city is working alongside MoDOT and has invested in connectivity, walkability and quality of place enhancements, ensuring our infrastructure reflects the needs and identity of the people it serves,” he said.

Along with replacing pavement between Missouri Route 13 and U.S. Route 65, Forward 44 work includes the addition of one lane in each direction for the 5-mile stretch. The project also is replacing bridges carrying I-44 over city streets at Broadway, Grant and National avenues, and other structural, drainage and amenity work throughout, according to MoDOT. Capital Paving and Construction LLC is general contractor for the project, which MoDOT estimated will conclude by May 2027.