State Scenic Highway

The State Scenic Highway Statute governs state highways and is administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. To designate a state highway as a state scenic road, an application must be made to the ConnDOT. ConnDOT regulations govern criteria for designation and regulate maintenance and improvements to designated state scenic roads. As of 2002, ConnDOT has designated over 260 miles of portions of state highways as state scenic roads.

Criteria for Designation of Scenic Highways

A potential state scenic highway must abut significant natural or cultural features such as agricultural land or historic buildings and structures which are listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, or afford vistas of marshes, shoreline, forests with mature trees, or other notable natural or geologic feature which singularly or in combination set the highway apart from other state highways as being distinct. The Highway shall have a minimum length of one (1) mile and shall abut development which is compatible with its surroundings. Such development must not detract from the scenic or natural character or visual qualities of the highway area.

Guidelines

1. Requests for state scenic highway designation from any agency, municipality, group or individual should be directed to:

   Commissioner
   Department of Transportation
   2800 Berlin Turnpike
   P.O. Box 317546
   Newington, CT 06131-7546

2. The applicant must prepare a report for submission or the Commissioner which shall include the following:
   1. A statement of the highway segments or areas to be included.
   2. A description of natural and cultural resources and features of scenic interest.
   3. A description of existing land use.
   4. Photographs of outstanding and representative scenery.
   5. A list of properties on the National or State Register of Historic Places. The applicant may contact the State Historic Preservation Office for assistance in identifying properties which have been historically designated along a proposed scenic highway.

3. The Scenic Roads Advisory Committee shall make a systematic evaluation of the extent and quality of historic, scenic, natural and cultural resources for the proposed scenic highway.

4. The Scenic Roads Advisory Committee may review any reports, letter articles or other documents which is deemed necessary to assist in its recommendation. It may also request additional information from the applicant to clarify any information provided in the report. Its recommendation shall be forwarded to the Commissioner for action.

   An important tool to review while considering the establishment of a state scenic road is the "Connecticut's Scenic Roads, A Handbook for Designation and Management". This tool provides guidelines for identifying scenic roadways, applying for designation, and developing corridor management plans and helps local groups though the process.

   Regulating Changes to a Designated State Scenic Highway

   Once a state highway has been designated, the Scenic Road Advisory Committee at the CT DOT will evaluate proposed improvements to determine what effect the alterations will have upon the scenic characteristics.

   If the proposed work is found to have no adverse effect the work may proceed. If the changes are found to have a significant impact the Committee notifies the Commissioner of CT DOT of their findings and recommends modifications, which would avoid, mitigate or minimize any undesirable changes (including waivers). If changes to design are not made, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Commissioner as to whether the project should be constructed as proposed. The Commissioner makes the final determination.

   When improving a state scenic road special consideration should be given to the following: widening of the right of way, widening of the traveled portion, guide rails, paving, changes of grade, straightening or removal of stone walls, removal of mature trees, general maintenance, road bed maintenance, cross drainage maintenance, vegetation maintenance, sign maintenance, and winter maintenance. For further information on the CT DOT regulations, please refer to the links provided below.

SHPO - State Scenic Roads Merritt Parkway Conservancy CT Department of Transportion, State Scenic Road List -A list of the designated State Scenic Roads. CT Department of Transportation State Scenic Road Criteria -Criteria for the designation of a State Scenic Road. CT Department of Transportation State Scenic Road Legislation -Regulations for the designation and regulation of State Scenic Roads.