ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The weathered old sign that once served as a beacon to travelers along a stretch of Route 66 just outside of New Mexico's largest city has been taken down and will be preserved as part of an initiative to build a visitor center dedicated to the historic roadway, officials said Friday.

The Mountain Lodge Motel sign will remain in storage until the new venue is ready. Albuquerque city officials called it a piece of history, saying its preservation will help provide a greater understanding of Route 66 for future generations.

Albuquerque is home to the longest urban stretc...