Chicago-Bolingbrook
The starting point in Chicago for the famed highway. This runs west to the suburbs following the Chicago River, the BNSF Railway-Southern Traction (ex-Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe), Chicago Ship & Sanitary Canal corridor.
Bolingbrook-Gardner
Between Bolingbrook and Gardner there are two alignments of U.S. 66. The original is marked with the brown historical marker. This uses Joliet Road and Illinois 53 through the City Center of Joliet, Wilmington, Braidwood, and Gardner. Once traffic volumes increased, U.S. 66 was by-passes around the Joliet Area. The original alignment was named ALT. U.S. 66 or U.S. 66A.
Gardner-Towanda
From Gardner, south to Towanda, U.S. 66 follows Interstate 55 and the Union Pacific Railroad (ex-Southern Pacific; Gulf, Mobile, & Ohio; Illinois Central & Gulf; Chicago & Alton). A good portion of this sections has been named the "Red Carpet Corridor". That does include some towns in the Bolingbrook to Gardner sections. In May each year, towns from Joliet to Towanda have festivities and different activities for an entire weekend.
Bloomington-Normal
At Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, U.S. 66 took two different aligments through town. The first passed through the heart of the Town of Normal, and the City of Bloomington. As traffic grew over the year, a second alignment was created, and today is one of the busiest routes in the city. On the southwest side of town, both alignments of U.S. 66 use the same right of way.
Bloomington-Lincoln
In the section from Bloomington to Lincoln, U.S. 66 runs along the west side of Interstate 55. Near Shirley, and Funks Grove the old four lane sections only have two lanes open. A bike path has been placed in the former lanes. When you get to Mclean, there are a few turns on the city streets. Here is the Home of Dixie. A once popular family restaurant and truck stop, that now is more of just a gas station.
Lincoln
At Lincoln, U.S. 66 has two alignments. The original runs through town, while the second bypasses around the north and west sides of the town.
Lincoln-Sherman
From Lincoln to Sherman, U.S. runs along the eastside of Interstate 55. At Williamsville, U.S. 66 joins Interstate 55 for one exit to BUSN Loop I-55.
Springfield-Staunton
At Springfield, U.S. 66 cuts north-south through the metro. On the northside of the metro is into three alignments. One is the 1926 alignment that runs out of Springfield along Illinois 4, via Carlinville. The second is signed as BUSN Loop I-55 in Springfield, then follows Interstate 55 from Springfield to Stauton. Alignment number three runs along Dirksen Parkway in Springfield before joining the previous alignment.
Staunton-Missouri
South of Stauton, both alignments of U.S. 66 re-join and head southwest toward the St. Louis Metro-East. The famed crossing into the State of Missouri was at the Chain of Rocks Bridge of the Mississippi River.