Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Wilmington to boast first 'urban' scenic byway in the state

When one thinks of scenic byways, the images of winding country roads, mountain views or battlefields come to mind. But Wilmington now has the state's first "urban" scenic byway.

The Cape Fear Historic Byway "zigzags right through the downtown Wilmington area, making it the first 'urban' byway in the state," writes the Wilmington Star-News.

The N.C. Department of Transportation initiated the program in 1990 to highlight routes with unique historical, cultural or scenic appeal and raise awareness for their preservation.

The Cape Fear Historic Byway was adopted by state transportation officials last week, just in time for this year's N.C. Azalea Festival. It allows local transportation planners to apply for grants for improvements along the route, such as benches, public restrooms and other amenities.

Starting on North Third Street near the Isabel Holmes Bridge, the byway includes about 7 miles of streets in the downtown Wilmington area. By mid-summer, signs will be put up to guide visitors around it.

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