AASHTO Journal - Illinois DOT Issues Route 66 Commemorative Map

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently released a new commemorative Illinois Route 66 Map in honor of the iconic road’s 100th birthday, which occurs in November this year.

[Above image via Illinois DOT]

The agency said its new map – developed in collaboration with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway – takes a nostalgic look at America’s most famous highway and sights to see in Illinois, while providing a historical timeline of the route’s evolution and its cultural impact.

“The new Route 66 map is a must for celebrating the road’s 100th anniversary,” said Gia Biagi, Illinois DOT’s secretary, in a statement. “With a detailed overview of the highway as it stretches across Illinois, highlighting towns large and small, it’s perfect for planning stops at Route 66’s legendary roadside attractions.”

With the centennial expected to unite preservationists, tourism leaders, and enthusiasts from around the world, this new map – paid with Federal Highway Administration funds and published by Illinois DOT on recycled paper using vegetable-based inks – will provide a touchpoint in Illinois to help celebrate the past, with a look toward the next century of adventure on Route 66.

“The last Illinois Route 66 paper map was created in 1998, so it’s incredibly exciting to see a new version celebrating the Mother Road,” said Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. “Route 66 has always been about Americana, nostalgia and the joy of the journey, so having something fresh that travelers can hold in their hands will spark curiosity and inspire road trips. We’re deeply grateful for the continued support from Illinois DOT.”

Other state departments of transportation have engaged in similar map-making efforts to celebrate the centennial of Route 66.

For example, in March 2025, state officials held a special ceremony to unveil Oklahoma’s new 2025-2026 roadway map; a map that specifically highlights Route 66 in anticipation of what’s known as the “Mother Road” turning 100 this year.

“We are excited to be celebrating the anniversary of Route 66 along with our partners and dedicating the state map to such a unique stretch of roadway with so much history,” noted Tim Gatz, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, at the time. “The department takes pride in its transportation leadership having had a hand in creating the Mother Road.”