Utah's devilish U.S. 666 turns into harmless 491

The devil's highway is no more.

The Utah Senate gave its final approval this week to a bill changing the name of U.S. 666 in southeastern Utah to U.S. 491. The bill, which passed unanimously, now goes to the governor for her signature.

The highway numbers 666 — the mark of the "beast" referred to in the Revelation of John — has evil connotations to many who say it symbolizes Satan. Public pressure in New Mexico and Colorado prompted officials there to remove the 666 designation from their portions of the U.S. highway.

Besides the fact that neighbors have made the change, state officials said U.S. 666 was a "headache to maintain" because people kept stealing or vandalizing the signs.

Now, they will just be collectors' items.