Q: Dennis Musolff shared his thoughts – and disappointment – on the state of Route 66 as California celebrates the centennial of the “Mother Road” this year.
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 this year, it is disappointing to see that one of its most legendary stretches in the Mojave Desert remains a broken promise,” said Musolff, who lives in Harbor City, in Los Angeles County.
The National Trails Highway from Amboy to Highway 40 “has been plagued by bridge closures for nearly a decade. While the state and local tourism boards are busy promoting the ‘nostalgia’ of the Mother Road, local drivers and travelers are met with ‘Road Closed’ signs and lengthy detours,” Musolff said. “It seems incredible that in 2026, the government cannot manage the repair of a simple two-lane blacktop road. We are told the delays are due to bidding issues and funding gaps, yet the 100-year milestone was no surprise — it has been on the calendar for a century.”
The onetime main artery from Chicago to Los Angeles was designated in November 1926 as one of the nation’s original numbered highways.
“If California wants to honor the legacy of Route 66, it should do so by making it drivable again,” Musolff said. “Nostalgia is great, but a functional road is better. It is time for San Bernardino County and the state to stop the bureaucratic foot-dragging and finish these bridge replacements before the bicentennial arrives.”
A: We shared Musolff’s comments with San Bernardino County’s Public Works Department and asked for an update on the repairs.
“We appreciate the continued interest and passion from residents, travelers, and Route 66 enthusiasts regarding the ongoing restoration efforts along this historic corridor,” said Amy Ledbetter, communications officer at the department. ” Route 66 is a cornerstone of our county’s history, identity, and community pride, and we recognize how meaningful this roadway is” for Southern California residents as well as international travelers.
Ledbetter noted significant challenges to restoring the remote desert corridor.
The Route 66/National Trails Highway Bridge Replacement Project spans 130 miles “and involves repairing and replacing dozens of aging wooden bridges …,” Ledbetter said. There are 63 bridge structures of 133 that are “active county projects,” and two have already been repaired, she said.
As part of the effort, the county is replacing aging timber bridge structures with new concrete bridges designed to improve durability, safety and structural reliability, Ledbetter said.
Construction is being completed in phases as funding becomes available.
Each project requires environmental review, engineering design, permitting, and coordination with multiple agencies before construction can begin. It’s a long process and the county is actively advancing multiple bridge projects simultaneously, Ledbetter said. The county is pursuing state and federal grants and securing outside funding which she said is critical to the long-term rehabilitation effort.
Latest status updates on repair projects:
• 19 bridges between Cadiz and Essex: Design is underway and approximately 35% complete. Environmental clearance is anticipated in spring 2028, with final design expected later that year. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2029.
• Bridge 85, next to Cadiz Road: Required environmental permits are expected to be cleared by the end of 2026. Final design is underway and scheduled for completion by year-end. Construction should begin in 2027.
• Three bridges between Amboy and Kelbaker Road: Design is about 35% complete. The environmental document is expected to be signed in spring, with final design by fall 2027. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
• 30 bridges along the corridor (27 bridges between Newberry Springs and Amboy/three bridges on Goffs Road and Mountain Springs): These projects are at about 35% design completion. Environmental review is anticipated to be done in spring, with final design expected by the end of 2027. Construction will occur in phases throughout 2028, depending on funding.
• 10 bridges between Amboy and Kelbaker Road: Under construction and should be done by spring.
• Dola and Lanzit bridges between Amboy and Kelbaker Road: Successfully replaced and completed in 2025.
Current corridor status:
• Amboy to Kelbaker Road: Open
• Kelbaker Road to Essex: Closed
• Essex to Mountain Springs Road: Closed
• Goffs Road and Essex Road between Highway 40 and Route 66: Closed to through traffic.
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