Scenic Guardrails Get A Makeover

MOST OF US HAVE USED THE COLLOQUIAL PHRASE, “TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE,” BUT THAT’S PRETTY EASY TO DO IN THE NATURAL STATE WITH ITS 11 SCENIC BYWAYS. FOR A HIGHWAY TO BE OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED AS A SCENIC BYWAY, IT MUST CONTAIN ABUNDANT SCENIC, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND/OR HISTORIC QUALITIES THAT WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO TOURISTS. Arkansas’ Scenic Byways Program was established shortly after Congress passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. This federal legislation created the framework to develop a BY BRITNI PADILLA-DUMAS

network of National Scenic Byways and All American Roads. The Act also encouraged each state to develop its own state scenic byway program. ArDOT Engineers recently began working on a new bridge rail design for the state’s scenic routes. The new look is more aesthetically pleasing and was created with the goal of softening the contrast between the natural elegance of the surrounding area and a manmade bridge suitable for heavy traffic. “The new design fits the context of the area so well,” said Assistant Chief Engineer of Design Mike Fugett. “I really like that they resemble the infrastructure from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era from the 1940s.” Instead of traveling across plain concrete and steel, onlookers can coast along a simple, sleek rock and lumber bridge that blends with the surrounding beauty. “The woodgrain on the rail looks so natural that you almost have to touch it to know it isn’t wood,” Fugett admired. “It’s important that we preserve the artistry of the environment whenever we can,“ commented ArDOT Director Lorie Tudor. “Our state is naturally beautiful and designing an aesthetically pleasing transportation system is one of our goals.” Roadway Design engineers began working on the new look last year. The first bridge to be completed by contractors is on Highway 7, north of Hot Springs Village. 