Can I designate a scenic road that is not on the ADOT highway system?

Yes, the ADOT Scenic Roads program is not limited to its own highways. Any road or street in the state is eligible for designation.

Aren't we running out of scenic roads to designate?

Although a majority of the scenic roads are located in the northern areas of the state, the entire southwest deserts are wide open for scenic designation, provided they meet all evaluation criteria.

Could a scenic road be delisted because of developers building along the road?

Yes, the Parkways, Historic and Scenic Roads Advisory Committee (PHSRAC) committee could recommend delisting if the qualities making the road scenic were degraded because of development. The State Transportation Board would make the final decision.

I love living here. The state is so pretty. There are several roads I would like to designate. But I cannot afford paying for all those studies to get official designation.

The ADOT Scenic Roads will fund studies for the PHSRAC upon receiving official letter requesting designating.

If I have questions on the Arizona program, who should I contact?

Transportation Enhancement and Scenic Roads Section
Arizona Department of Transportation
1615 West Jackson Street, Mail Drop EM10
Phoenix, Arizona 85007-3217
telephone: 602.712.7774 / fax: 602.712.3347

Web Site: Online Inquiry Form

Why are we doing a corridor management plan (CMP)?

The CMP is a “grass roots” level participation project in which local desires and issues are documented to serve as a planning guide for the designated route.

Who is paying for the development of the CMP?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is funding 80% of the costs as part of a discretionary grant. ADOT funds the remaining 20% costs.

Why is FHWA involved?

Most, if not all states which have a scenic roads program get heavy support from FHWA which distributes money to support the development of state scenic road programs and the National Scenic Byways program.

If we complete the CMP does that mean we will nominate the route for national designation?

Absolutely not. The question will be addressed in the CMP. It will be a local decision. ADOT policy is to only forward applications for national designation that have consensus. Again, both FHWA and ADOT want this to be a “grassroots level” program.

How long does the CMP process take?

Generally 1.5 to 2 years.

What is the National Scenic Byways program?

The National Scenic Byways program is a collection of state designated routes to identify, promote, and manage our country’s varied and scenic system of highways and roads through community efforts. There are two types of Scenic Byways: National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. The program is administered by FHWA.

What is the difference between an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway?

All-American Roads are the “cream of the crop” of the National Scenic Byways. They typically have a more developed level of traveler facilities, services and interpretive opportunities. They are also considered to be a “destination unto themselves." An example is Route One, Big Sur Coast Highway. National Scenic Byways have at least one special, or “intrinsic”, quality of regional significance.

Does Arizona have any All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways?

Yes, there are 4 National Scenic Byways and 1 All-American Road.

The National Scenic Byways are:

• Kaibab Plateau - North Rim National Scenic Byway, State Route 67
• Historic Route 66 National Scenic Byway, Topock to Ash Fork and Ash Fork to Lupton
• Coronado Trail National Scenic Byway, US 191 and 180
• Sky Island Parkway (Catalina Highway) National Scenic Byway

The All-American Road is:

• Red Rock All-American Road, State Route 179

What do we need to do to designate our road?

To be considered for national designation three things are needed:

• The state department of transportation (ADOT) must designate the route.
• You must have a completed corridor management plan (CMP) in place.
• You must have a completed national designation application submitted to FHWA.

Note: National designations are made every couple of years.

What are some of the benefits of national designation?

The 4-P’s: promotion, preservation, partnerships, and pride. Other benefits include increased funding opportunities, increased local economic gain from national advertising, and support of the National Byways Program. Approximately $40 million per year is distributed by FHWA to states to support the state and national programs. Routes designated on the national level have priority of funding over state-designated routes. There is also a marketing coordinator to market the routes on a national and international level and a Byways Resource Center to support nationally designated routes.

If I have questions on the national program, who should I contact?

Layne Patton

Federal Highway Administration, Arizona Division

4000 North Central Avenue, Suite 1500

Phoenix, AZ 85012-1906

Telephone: 602.382.8974 / Fax: 602.382.8998