The Department of Transportation has designated parts of the former U.S. Route 66 as a National Scenic Byway, so efforts are made to protect certain aspects of it, specifically the scenery and the historic places that made it what it is.However, in some areas, the road has fallen into disrepair and decay, as it is no longer the major route through that part of the country. Interstate 40 has become the road of choice for its more modern, high-speed routing.In many cases, the people of the towns along the road are the ones keeping together and preserving the historic landmarks along the way.
I have been through route 66 and they seem to still be historical. They are still many route 66 museums along the way. I think they are protected by National Park system because Missouri has a route 66 state park.