Introduction to Oklahoma Byways Communities

 

The Transportation Enhancement Program is separate from the Oklahoma Byways Program, but provides additional funding opportunities for Oklahoma communities. To learn more about the Enhancement Program, click on the link.

Shortcut to: http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/roadway/Rdy-specialproj.htm

What's First?

 

Requirements for State Designation:

One intrinsic quality is required; additional qualities encouraged

Route sponsor completes spplication

Reviewed and approved by Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Official Designation: Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation

 

Overview of State Byway Nomination Criteria:

Roadways of outstanding merit

Intrinsic qualities must be bignificant: (Scenic, Recreational, Archaeological, Natural, Cultural, and Historic)

Sufficient length to reward traveler

Meet criteria for user safety

Provide interpretive information for traveler

 

Requirements For National Designation:

Two Intrinsic qualities are required

Route Sponsor Complete Application - Collaborative effort within the communities to complete application must be demonstrated.

Must demonstrate a regional impact that extends beyond the state

Comprehensive Corridor Management Plan is required and must be approved by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Nomination packet requires State and National approval.

Official Designation: National Scenic Byways Program

 

All-American Road Designation Requirements:

Two intrinsic qualities required with a regional impact

The road itself must be the prime factor

Collaborative effort to complete application

Extensive review of Corridor Management Plan

Requires state and national approval

 

 

What's Next?

 

If you have read the guidelines and feel as though you have a potential Oklahoma Byway, then please download and complete the Oklahoma Byway application for state designation. (Click below to download. This is a Word Document)

 

 

General Information

 

The Oklahoma Byways Team:   Federal Highways Administration Oklahoma Department of Transportation University of Oklahoma Byway Review Committee Route Sponsors Communities - Traveler   Key Features To A Byway:   Provision for public evolvement Evidence of strong local support Protection and enhancement measure Management plan Marketing Plan Maps and Inventory Minimize visitor intrusions

Regional Benefits For A Byway:   Official Recognition and inclusion in a state and national effort Marketing, economic support for the communities along the route.   Marketing and economic support are available for communities along the byway corridor   Local Benefits:   Creates a community based network Values and protects communities’ special places and roads Serves as a drawing power to bring travelers to a local community Encourages growth Generates new revenue

 

What Is An Oklahoma Byway?

 

An Oklahoma Byway is a unique road designated by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for its unique and irreplaceable intrinsic qualities.

 

How Is An Oklahoma Byway Developed?

 

A byway is the result of dedicated local communities working in concert with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the University of Oklahoma Outreach. Designation as an Oklahoma Byway creates a collaborative effort that promotes community sustainability and fosters efforts to preserve the unique history of the Byway. Traveling a Byway encourages travelers to experience Oklahoma’s diversity. The program provides support to communities with improvement projects and economic initiatives.

 

Who Are The Partners?

 

The Oklahoma Byways program involves a partnership between the University of Oklahoma Outreach and Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).

 

The program is a grassroots collaborative effort establishes to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has provided funding for almost 1,500 state and nationally designated byway projects in 48 states.