State Transportation Board Designates Two New Scenic Byways 

ATLANTA (October 18, 2007) – The State Transportation Board Thursday approved the designation of “Scenic Byway” for two Georgia highways. 
The 13-member board added the “Interstate 185 Scenic Byway” and the “Warren County-Piedmont Scenic Byway Extension” to Georgia’s Scenic Byway Program which will now include 12 such byways throughout the state.

   The I-185 Scenic Byway is a 39-mile route that traverses I-185 from I-85 to Exit 12 (Williams Road) in Muscogee County. Board member Sam Wellborn of Columbus, representing Congressional District 3, presented the resolution to the board. The roadway qualified for the designation due to its scenic qualities.

   “This took the efforts of many people such as the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission to make this happen; I appreciate the hard work and support for getting this resolution passed,” Wellborn said.

   The Warren-County Piedmont Extension is a 15-mile route that begins at the Hancock County line at Jewell and continues east on SR 16 to the City of Warrenton, and which serves as a continuation of the previously designated Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway. Board member Raybon Anderson of Statesboro, representing Congressional District 12, presented the resolution to the board.

   “I am pleased that my district is able to do its part in preserving the natural beauty of Georgia,” he said.

   The National Scenic Byways program was created by Congress in 1991. The program recognizes highways that exemplify the nation’s culture, history and landscape. Georgia is among 38 states that have established a scenic byway program. Once a road is named a Georgia Scenic Byway, it becomes eligible for inclusion into the federal program. 

   In other business, Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl told the board that the Department earned the Highways for LIFE (Long-lasting, Innovative, Fast, Efficient) award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for its exemplary work involving the I-85 interchange in Troup County to accommodate a new auto assembly plant being built by KIA Automotive Inc. 

   The board will next meet November 14-15 at GDOT headquarters, No. 2 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA.

   For details on GDOT and the State Transportation Board, please visit the website at www.dot.state.ga.us .