This is from Wired Furthermore, 31st July
"The highway to hell has just met its maker. That's right, New Mexico's Route 666, aka "Highway to Hell" or "Satan's Highway," was formally re-christened Route 491 on Wednesday. "After 77 years of concern and discontent we have finally removed any reference to the devil from this highway," said Gov. Bill Richardson. The infernal stretch of road runs through mountain valleys for just over 100 miles in the northwest part of the state, and has some of the highest fatalities per mile of any highway in New Mexico. Most of the 666 highway signs were stolen after the name change was announced in May. Officials blame thieves looking for souvenirs. Or was it the devil?"