Illinois Department of Transportation’s Reimagining the Old Route enhances safety for tourists, cyclists, and pedestrians by designating nonmotorized segments and improving bike-friendly routes along this historic corridor. Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 represents early cross-country travel in the United States, while the Route 66 Trail provides an on- and off-road network between Chicago and St. Louis. 

The $4 million project strengthens connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses, creating a long-distance bicycling corridor linking communities. A key component was a new 4.5-mile extension that closed a gap between McLean County and Funks Grove and connected to Bloomington-Normal’s popular Constitution Trail, which spans nearly 50 miles along a former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way. 

McLean County secured Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grants to fund most of the project. These federal funds, administered and distributed by the Illinois DOT, support off-highway transportation improvements. By building this trail extension, Illinois became the first state to introduce a comprehensive biking and walking option along the old Route 66 corridor.