Odell in Livingston County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Odell Pedestrian Tunnel
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
1. Odell Pedestrian Tunnel Marker
From 1926 to 1946 this road was known as the "Mother Road" or Route 66 During this period traffic was so congested that it became necessary to build an underground passage to safely cross church goers and school children. You are now standing where the staircase to the tunnel began.
In 1947, with the advent of the four lane bypass two blocks to the west, this became Business Route 66, and the tunnel, no longer needed, was filled in. In 1977 Route 66 was decertified, but it lives on in our hearts and in our memories.
Erected 2006 by Volunteers of the Preservation Committee of the Route 66 Association of Illinois.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.
Location. 41° 0.211′ N, 88° 31.649′ W. Marker is in Odell, Illinois, in Livingston County. Marker is at the intersection of South West Street and West Hamilton Street, on the right when traveling north on South West Street. Touch for map
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
2. Odell Pedestrian Tunnel Marker
Underneath the marker; the top is a reproduction of a photo with boys walking the stairs
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 1932 Standard Oil Gas Station, Odell, Illinois (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Meramec Caverns Barn (approx. 5 miles away); Shifting Roadways (approx. 6.9 miles away); Mom and Pop Motels (approx. 7.6 miles away); Welcome to Dwight (approx. 7.8 miles away); Dwight, Illinois (approx. 7.8 miles away); Full Service on Rte 66 (approx. 7.8 miles away); The Windmill (approx. 7.9 miles away).
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
3. Odell Pedestrian Tunnel Marker
Wide view; next to the former tunnel
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
4. Odell Pedestrian Tunnel Marker
The tunnel (which has been filled)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 287 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 29, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
