Why did they get rid of Route 66?

Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985 as part of a larger shift in the U.S. highway system to the Interstate Highway System, which prioritized faster and more efficient travel. Many segments of Route 66 fell into disrepair and were bypassed by new interstates, leading to a decline in traffic and economic activity along the historic route. Despite its decommissioning, Route 66 remains a symbol of American culture and nostalgia, with efforts to preserve its legacy and promote tourism along its remaining stretches.