Delaware’s Route 9 Bayshore Byway is now considered a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration.
The 100-mile stretch of two lane highway runs from New Castle to Lewes along the Delaware River and Bay Estuary.
State officials gathered at the St. Jones Reserve in Dover to celebrate the byway’s designation as part of Earth Day.
“This byway and all the work that goes into it from transportation to natural resource preservation is so important,” said Gov. John Carney.
“There are people currently who come from all over the country all over the state all over the world to really experience the incredible natural resources we have along this part of our state,” said DNREC Sec. Shawn Garvin. “The national designation just puts even a greater spotlight on that.”
DelDOT started the state byway program in 2000. There are six state-recognized byways in Delaware. The Brandywine Scenic Byway in north Wilmington was the first to receive a federal designation. Officials say the designation means more tourism and potential for economic development.
“It is further recognition of the value of conserving our natural spaces and making them available in an eco-sensitive way to the American public,” said Steve Borleske, a volunteer with the advocacy group Delaware Greenways which developed and manages the Bayshore Byway.
The state also held a ribbon cutting event for a new Boardwalk at Killens Pond State Park and announced winners of DNREC’s Earth Day video contest.
