Main Route Alignments

1926-30, Route 66 into Springfield:
Coming from Strafford in the east toward Springfield, the first alignment of Route 66 went south on Missouri Route 125 to Division Street, then went south on Glenstone Avenue to St. Louis Street and into the downtown square, heading out on College Street.

1930-77, Route 66 (called City 66) into Springfield:
In 1930, the route was given a new alignment farther north, entering the city along what is now U.S. Route 66/Old Route 66/Kearney Street. With a south turn onto Glenstone Avenue, it met the old alignment through Springfield’s downtown.

1936-54, Bypass 66 around Springfield:
Starting in 1936, travelers could choose from two routes: through Springfield on City 66 or around it on Bypass 66. The bypass was approved and built around the city via Kearney Street to U.S. Route 160 (now West Bypass) to avoid traffic congestion in the commercial district of Springfield.