U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


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Category 11 - Program or Project Development Process

Award of Excellence

Mn/DOT Historic Roadside Developments Management Program
State of Minnesota

This photo depicts a deteriorated historic stone wall overlook area along Paul Bunyan Drive in Bemidji and a successful restoration of the stone wall overlook area along Paul Bunyan Drive in Bemidji.

This photo depicts a historic roadside overlook development above the Mississippi River and along the Great River Road in St. Paul - one of the sites that will be restored with the restoration funding package authorized by the MN LegislatureThis photo depicts the deteriorated and neglected condition of a historic roadside development feature that needs restoration along TH 10 near St. Cloud.

In the 1930s and early 1940s, during the Great Depression, the MHD (Mn/DOT's predecessor) constructed "roadside development facilities," such as waysides, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and historical markers to increase the recreational enjoyment of highway travel while providing safe havens for weary travelers. However, modern highway projects often adversely affect this historic integrity of these cultural resources. In 1996, Mn/DOT established Management Plans for significant historic properties, including a Programmatic Agreement between FHWA, Mn/DOT and the State Historic Preservation Office that further streamline project development and now guide Mn/DOT planners, project managers, and designers early in project development, which minimizes adverse impacts and maximizes preservation.

Owner: City of St. Paul, MN

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Updated: 06/27/2017
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000