A Salt Lake Tribune article (see here) says that officials are trying to get the Legacy Parkway designated as a National Scenic Byway. In the article Woods Cross City Manager Gary Uresk is quoted as saying that the designation would give the highway some recognition and attract tourists. It would also make Legacy eligible to receive Federal Highway Administration funds.
According to the National Scenic Byways Program (see here), a national scenic byway should be a road that has "outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archaeological qualities." In my opinion, the Legacy Highway does not have outstanding scenic qualities. It has many of the same scenic views as I-15. From I-15, you can see the mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west. The Legacy Highway does offer better views of the two South Davis Sewer Plants, and also a better view of the Bountiful Landfill. I don't see how this highway has outstanding historic, cultural, natural, recreational or archaeological qualities. The highway was built with the main purpose of providing an alternate to I-15. Anyone who says otherwise, doesn't know the true history of this highway. It was a compromise that made it anything other than just another highway through suburbia.
This sounds like a scam to get extra money from the federal government. Let's be responsible citizens of this country and save money designated for national scenic byways for those roads that have "outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archaeological qualities."
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6 comments:
I think Legacy is nicer looking than I-15 but I agree, that doesn't qualify it as scenic.
At least without sound walls you can actually see the mountains.
I agree it doesn't rise to the scenic quality of say Hwy 12 from Torry to Bryce Canyon. Not even close. But I find it very pleasant to drive.
Here are some pics I took at Bountiful Lake just off the 5th South exit.
http://slcblues.blogspot.com/2008/10/more-on-legacy-parkway.html
That is a very good point.
I'll take legacy over I-15 any time I have to drive to Centerville- now if only they could finish the Parrish Lane overpass. It takes as long to get over that as is does to go from NSL to Centerville.
:)
Oh- I also like how there are always people riding their bikes or jogging along side the highway.
My Mister likes the slower speed limit- makes him feel much more relaxed.
Allie, those are two things I like, too. The people walking/biking on the trails along the side and the lower speed limit seems to make the drive feel less stressful than the competitive lanes of I-15.
It's the most scenic thing you have going. If you want to close it in with more sewers and convenience stores, and kick the bike riders and birds out, then go for it!
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