Corridor Management Plan

A cooperative effort is underway to pursue National Scenic Byway designation for the National Road in Ohio. Designation could yield numerous benefits for the communities along the road, including a higher level of national recognition and the ability to tap into the marketing and promotional opportunities presented by the National Scenic Byway program. The National Scenic Byway designation process requires that a Corridor Management Plan be developed to guide the enhancement, development, marketing  and promotion, interpretation, and long-term management of the road corridor. This is  created through a public participation process so that the plan reflects the goals and priorities of   the communities through which the byway runs.    

The National Road holds a significant place in the history of Ohio and the nation. It was our country's first federally-funded interstate road and provided both a route to the frontier and market access for the sparsely settled midwest during the early part of the 19th century. During the automobile era the road (now U.S. 40) again served as one of the nation's primary east/west arteries. The National Road's historical significance is expressed in the many roadway sections, pike towns, taverns, inns, early motels and truck stops that stand as a reminder of the once bustling thoroughfare. Because of the numerous historical resources and the many other diversions that visitors can experience along the route, the National Road in Ohio already has been designated a State Scenic Byway. Meanwhile, the other five states the National Road traverses have received or are also pursuing National Scenic Byway status, a combined effort which will make the National Road one of the most significant and well-traveled byways in America.

The central focus of the Corridor Management Plan is a set of management strategies designed to guide the development, marketing, interpretation and preservation of the byway in both the short-term and long-term. The management strategies address the elements required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for National Scenic Byway designation, as well as provide a practical document from which implementing groups can work to achieve the vision and goals for the byway. Ten sections address:

• Preservation & Enhancement Strategies for National Road Resources
  
• Strategies for Other Historic and Cultural Resources
  
• Strategies for Managing Scenic and Natural Resources and Minimizing Visual Intrusions                                                     
  
• Strategies for Roadway Management                                            
  
• Strategies to Link the Byway to the Region and Beyond    
  
• Strategies to Foster Economic Development Tourism & Visitor      
  Services
• A Sign Plan for the Ohio National Road                                      
  
• Coordinating with the Five Other National Road State     
  
• Implementation of the Management Plan

Click here to view the complete Corridor Management Plan outline in Adobe .pdf format.

Click here to view the complete draft Corridor Managment Plan in Adobe .pdf format.

Click here to view issues of the Corridor Management Plan newsletter.

Your input is important! Click here to provide your comments on the plan or to contact us with questions. You may also call  614/298-2000.