U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta today added 23 new National Scenic Byways and 13 new All-American Roads to the list of great American roads.
The National Scenic Byways Program, established by Congress in 1991 and administered by the U.S. DOT’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), recognizes certain roads as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on six intrinsic factors: archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of these six intrinsic qualities, be regionally significant and have features that do not exist elsewhere, making it a destination unto itself.
The newly honored roads include the Lakes to Locks Passage, the Great Northeast Journey (New York); Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (California and Oregon); Beartooth Scenic Byway (Montana and Wyoming); Death Valley Scenic Byway (California); Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway (Colorado and Utah); and Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway (Minnesota).
"America’s Byways are roads to the heart and soul of America," said Mineta. "Byways help create a sense of pride in America. They connect us to this country’s beauty, history and culture."
"The Federal Highway Administration is proud of a program that helps preserve the sites, sounds and resources that exist on these diverse and interesting roads," added FHWA Administrator Mary Peters.
There are now a total of 75 National Scenic Byways and 20 All-American Roads in 39 states. The complete information is available by phone at 800/429-9297 or at the National Scenic Byways Program, www.byways.org" website.
