Developing Design Elements For Virginia Scenic Byways

Virginia has had a scenic roads program since 1966 that provides for the designation of certain roads as Virginia Byways. This program does not require the application of any special technical requirements in the selection, designation, maintenance, or modification of these roads. The research reported herein was undertaken to determine (1) whether these Virginia Byways require special design considerations by virtue of their use, (2) what design elements that would be dictated if special design considerations were found to be appropriate, and (3) the degree to which current standards provide for these considerations. The institutional memory on the subject was reviewed, and current federal and state scenic roads programs were examined. It was concluded (1) that special design considerations are appropriate, (2) that design elements could be identified, and (3) that current design standards provide for neither the design considerations nor the resulting design elements. Recommendations are made for future practice and further research.

The purpose of this study was to develop a system design and information evaluation process that could be used to review proposed or designated scenic byways. The process was intended to ensure that the geometric and traffic design of these roads were compatible with their intended use. The process that was developed involves the following steps: (1) collection of data pertaining to traffic accidents and geometric elements, (2) analysis of accident and traffic data, (3) identification of improvements for motorized and nonmotorized traffic, and (4) provision of information and services. The process was successfully used to identify design and information requirements for an existing scenic byway: Route 711, located in Powhatan County, Virginia. The authors recommend that VDOT develop a design guide and maintain a database of information pertaining to scenic byways. They also recommend that the system design and information methodology be tested by VDOT for other designated and proposed scenic byways.