Scenic Byways
Tennessee’s Scenic Byways feature routes that have been designated by U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway or an All-American Road. As noted in the Getting Started section of this guide, Scenic Byway is not an official designation in Tennessee, but the creation of a scenic byway organization is critical for routes seeking national designation.
Designated National Scenic Byways, All American Roads, and routes actively working towards a national designation are all underpinned by a Scenic Highway or Tennessee Parkway designation. Byway organizations are often non-profits or local governments, and they are responsible for creating and updating professional planning documents and that form the basis for managing and interpreting the byway corridor. Such planning documents include Corridor Management Plans (CMPs), interpretive plans, environmental plans, way-showing and wayfinding guides, and design and landscaping guidelines.
Scenic byways have an underpinning byway organization, intrinsic qualities and carefully produced planning documents.
Sustaining a Byway
National Scenic Byway Program Grants
Federal support for nationally designated scenic byways does not stop with marketing and promotion. The National Scenic Byway Program also offers the opportunity for program participants to apply for project funding. Funding opportunities are announced through FHWA and TDOT and interested byways must submit an electronic application. Application information is found at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/. Along with the online application, the TDOT, as the state’s designated byway program agency, must submit a paper copy to the state’s FHWA division.
National Scenic Byway Grant Categories
Corridor Management Planning
Activities related to safety improvements, access to recreation, resource protection, interpretive projects or marketing program initiatives could be considered in the implementation of the Corridor Management Plan. Travel and per diem expenses for conferences, or training or technical assistance activities for advancing a byway or the National Scenic Byway Program can also be considered.
Safety Improvements
Features necessary to reduce the likelihood of crashes and vehicle/bicycle/pedestrian conflicts are just some of the roadside improvements eligible for byway funds. The project must demonstrate that the improvements are necessary to accommodate increased traffic and changes in the types of vehicles using the road. Only when the project demonstrates these safety deficiencies can improvements such as guardrails, shoulders, bridge rails and comparable road improvements be eligible for funds.
Byway Facilities
Construction of structures/facilities that include the development of environmental documents, planning, design, engineering, purchase of right-of-way, land or property, as well as supervising inspecting , actual building and all cost concerning the construction of the project or facility are eligible for funds under this category.
Access to Recreation
Roadway enhancement projects directly related to improving access to recreational areas which have a clear demonstrated role in enhancing the byway traveler experience will be considered in this category. Such modifications include but are not limited to modifications to the roadway or parking facilities in order to accommodate buses, recreation vehicles, or vehicles pulling trailers.
Interpretive Information
Tourist and interpretive information includes, but is not limited to signs, brochures, pamphlets, maps, video tapes, audio tapes, CD’s, podcasts, a byway website, interpretive exhibits and kiosks. It includes coordination of volunteers for living history demonstrations, docents or step-on guide programs, and training for individuals to inform byway travelers of the significance of the byway’s intrinsic qualities that form the byway’s story. The information should reflect the entire byway and inform the traveler of the significance of the intrinsic quality(s).
Marketing Program
A byway marketing plan is a detailed, written account and timetable of the objectives and methods to be used to achieve marketing goals. A marketing program could include research, branding a byway, and or marketing strategies (i.e. advertising, trade shows, expos and conferences, public relations, media relations, promotions, electronic marketing, hospitality training, and traveler’s tools). These programs should include initiatives and activities that support the overall marketing strategy.
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