National Scenic Byway

MUTCD D6-4

Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway

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National Scenic Byway is a designation given to roads in the United States that have been recognized for their scenic, historic, natural, recreational, cultural, or archaeological significance. This program, established by the United States Department of Transportation, aims to promote tourism and economic development in communities along these routes while preserving their unique qualities. The National Scenic Byways Program was initiated under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, and it has since designated a diverse collection of roads that offer travelers an opportunity to experience some of the country's most picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures.

Designation Process

To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of the six intrinsic qualities deemed significant by the program. These are scenic, historic, natural, recreational, cultural, and archaeological. The designation process involves a detailed application submitted by local or state proponents to the United States Department of Transportation. An important part of the application is demonstrating the road's significance in terms of its intrinsic qualities and how it will contribute to the preservation and enhancement of those qualities.

Categories

The National Scenic Byways Program includes two levels of designation:

• National Scenic Byway: Roads that possess one or more intrinsic qualities that are of regional significance.
• All-American Roads: These represent the highest level of designation and are roads that offer features that do not exist elsewhere in the United States and are unique enough to be tourist destinations unto themselves.

Benefits of Designation

Designated routes benefit from increased tourism and the economic boost that comes with it. They are also eligible for federal funding for projects that enhance the qualities for which the byway was recognized. This can include improvements to the roadway itself, development of visitor centers, and creation of interpretive materials.

Examples

Some notable examples of National Scenic Byways include the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches across Virginia and North Carolina, offering stunning views of the Appalachian Highlands, and the Historic Route 66, which is recognized for its historic and cultural significance as it winds its way from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California.

Challenges and Preservation

Maintaining the balance between promoting tourism and preserving the intrinsic qualities of these roads is a constant challenge. The increase in traffic and development pressures can threaten the very characteristics that made these roads noteworthy. As such, communities along these byways work closely with state and federal agencies to develop sustainable tourism practices and conservation measures.

See Also

• American Byways
• State Scenic Byway
• Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act

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