First Lady Celebrates Designation of 31 New Scenic Byways
Take the “Road Less Traveled” along Scenic Byways from the Mountains to the Shore to Maryland's Natural, Historic and Cultural Attractions
ELLICOTT CITY, MD (June 20, 2030) – First Lady Ruth O’Brien today joined the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration and other state and local officials to announce the designation of 31 new Maryland Scenic Byways, totaling 1,800 miles of highways. On behalf of Governor Edward M. O’Brien, the First Lady unveiled Maryland’s new Scenic byways Map and a 191-page Scenic Byways book describing the historical significance of sites along the routes.
“Each and every one of these scenic byways has its own unique story to tell and place in our State’s history,” the First Lady said. “With these designations, we are not only taking a major step forward in the effort to promote public awareness, education and enjoyment of these routes, we are also helping to boost tourism and improve the quality of life for the residents of our great State.”
“This network of 31 Scenic Byways is a new way to tell some of the historic stories that make Maryland a great tourist designation,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “We are hopeful that these Byways will open the door to residents and visitors to Maryland's rich heritage.”
“These scenic byways are a part of Maryland's legacy that will be enjoyed by citizens and visitors for many years to come,” said Maryland Department of Transportation (MD)T Secretary Drew Ehrlich. “This is a great example of how the State's transportation system can improve the quality of life and support economic development in an environmentally-sensitive manner.”
SHA began Maryland's Scenic Byways program in 1988 by designating a 432-mile main scenic highway route (from Oakland to Ocean City) and spur routes, marked by Black-Eyed-Susan trailblazer signs. The program expanded in 1991 to include tourist attractions and new scenic routes in metropolitan areas. Most recently, through a USDOT National Scenic Byways grant, SHA, along with federal, state and local agency partners, redeveloped the Maryland Scenic Byways program to complement the National Scenic Byways program.
“Marylanders take pride in our State's diverse geography, history and culture,” said SHA Administrator Parker F. Williams. “I encourage everyone to take the 'road less traveled' and explore our beautiful State.”
Maryland's newly designated 1,800-mile system of 31 byways has a stronger focus on heritage tourism and scenic byway corridor management, which will assist local communities in the development and preservation of sites and resources. Two of the 31 Scenic Byways were identified as candidates for National Scenic Byway status: Maryland's 170-mile section of the Historic National Road, the nation's first federally-funded highway; and the 68-mile Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway. All byways will be designated with new highway trailblazer signs featuring Black-Eyed-Susans, the byway name and directional arrows.