American icon hits 100 in style

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP HIGHWAY

- PETER SHERIDAN

FOLLOWING decades of decline, Route 66 across the United States is finally being restored to its former glory.

reflects on the iconic “Mother Road”, a highway to adventure celebrating its 100th birthday this year.

“IF you ever plan to motor West, travel my way, take the highway that’s the best, you’ll get your kicks on Route 66.”

The most iconic road in the US is 100 this year and is enjoying a revival after decades of decay.

Stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to LA, it’s a symbol of adventure and the taming of the Wild West.

In literary classic The Grapes of Wrath, author John Steinbeck called it “The Mother Road”.

For millions more it was the mythic highway to the American Dream.

It’s been immortalised in song - Get Your Kicks on Route 66 was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, then covered by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, right, Bing Crosby and The Rolling Stones.

"Route 66 has a special place in America's heart," says David Knudson, founder of preservation group the National Historic Route 66 Federation.