OVERVIEW

Idaho currently has thirty scenic, historic and cultural byways spread throughout the state. Several of these have been awarded federal status, as National Scenic Byways or All American Roads.

The Idaho Scenic Byways Program serves two functions: (1) to promote the scenic, historic, and backcountry byways of Idaho, and (2) to provide funding for tourist amenities, kiosks, and signs that will assist the traveler on the byways.

The statewide brochure - Taking the Scenic Route: A guide to Idaho's Scenic Byways - as well as individual byway brochures, audio tapes, web-pages, and other informational documents serves the former function. Project requests from local byway groups are submitted annually to serve the latter.

Byway improvement and development needs are determined by corridor management plans (CMP) developed for the byways, or through development of community interest groups' goals in lieu of a corridor management plan. Creation of a corridor management plan is encouraged before any other project is initiated on a scenic, historic, or backcountry byway.

Important tourist scenic byway information for visitors to Idaho can be found at www.idahobyways.gov.

HISTORY

Idaho has had officially recognized Scenic Routes since June of 1977. In 1991 the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the state of Idaho determined to combine the scenic routes and back country byways of each agency under one umbrella.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) was designated by the Governor as the lead agency responsible for administering the Idaho Scenic Byways Program to meet the requirements of the Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. In March of 1995 the Scenic Byways Advisory Committee was established by Director's memorandum to coordinate Scenic Byways nominations, federal grant application requests, and to advise the Idaho Transportation Board on all Scenic Byways activities. A year later this committee was established as a permanent body by ITD Board Policy B-09-11.

DESIGNATION

The following criteria and procedures for nominating a public roadway for the Idaho State Scenic Byway Program require the fulfillment of three principals: Uniqueness, local support and commitment, and protective standards. It is the intent of the following standards to provide for local control by achieving local commitment for this program. (Nomination does not guarantee the byway will receive funding).

Criteria and Procedures

  1. All federal, state, county and local roads are eligible for scenic, historic or backcountry byway designation contingent on the agreement and commitment to such designation by the appropriate jurisdiction. If a roadway includes several jurisdictions, all must agree on the request for designation, planning, and regulatory standards.
    1. Scenic byways present outstanding scenic vistas.
    2. Historic byways are of historic significance to the region.
    3. Backcountry byways are primarily gravel roads and offer an “off the beaten track” experience.
  2. All nominated roadways must possess outstanding intrinsic value including at least one of these qualities: scenic, historical, cultural, recreational, or archaeological significance.
  3. Proposals may be submitted at any time during odd-numbered years.
  4. The first federal grant application must include funding for a corridor management plan, if no corridor management plan exists for the byway.
  5. All proposals must include the following elements:
    1. A map highlighting the route being proposed and a detailed description showing its termini. Mile markers and/or odometer readings may be used to further identify the exact segment of road being proposed.
    2. Agreements by all roadway and corridor jurisdictions including those agencies that maintain the roadway.
    3. Strategies to insure the safety and appearance of the traveled way.
    4. Strategies to preserve or enhance the intrinsic values of the adjacent scenic, historical, cultural, and archaeological features. An example includes historical building restoration, etc.
    5. Strategies to enhance the interpretation and educational opportunities available to visitors such as guide books, brochures, visitor center exhibits, museums, and audiotapes.
    6. Strategies to promote and market the scenic byway through public and private partnerships.
    7. Strategies to enhance the travelers' experience including developing facilities such as parking and rest rooms; accessibility improvements such as handicapped, pedestrian, and bike facilities.
    8. Strategies to protect the integrity of the corridor through the use of cooperative agreements, land use, signing standards, scenic easements, purchases or voluntary guidelines.
    9. Strategies for accommodating increased use of the roadway, attractions, and facilities.
    10. Evidence of local support including public and private interests in the plan development and implementation.

    11. All proposals should be addressed to:

      Idaho Transportation Department
      Scenic Byways Program
      P.O. Box 7129
      Boise, Idaho 83707-1129

      ScenicByways@itd.idaho.gov
      Phone: (800) 527-7985

FUNDING

Although there is no specific state funding available for scenic byways projects, the National Scenic Byways Program under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) allows for project funding of qualified State Scenic Byways and Back Country Byways which meet certain criteria.

Such funding is used for the development of corridor management and wayfinding plans, construction of byway visitor centers, marketing efforts, website design, interpretive displays and byway signs, etc. There are also related funding categories such as Enhancement and Public Lands Highway funding available for Scenic Byways. Such funds have been used for road improvements, historic site renovations, and the development of local byway art exhibits.

Map of Idaho Scenic Byways

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES