An application to designate a portion of Route 136 (known locally as Compo Road/Bridge Street) in Westport as a scenic road has been submitted to the state’s Scenic Road Advisory Committee.

          The application requests that the designated state scenic road begin at the intersection of Route 1 and terminate at the west abutment of the Saugatuck Bridge, for a distance of approximately 1.2 miles.

           A public forum to discuss this application has been scheduled for Thursday, January 21, 2016, at the Westport Center for Senior Activities, located at 21 Imperial Avenue in Westport.  The meeting is scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

          Public Act 87-280 authorizes the Commissioner of Transportation to designate state highways or portions thereof as scenic roads in consultation with the Commissioners of Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.  The Advisory Committee, which includes representation from each of the three agencies, has indicated that the request has merit and warrants further consideration.

          In order to qualify for scenic road designation, the state road must have a minimum length of one mile and have significant natural or cultural features along its borders such as agricultural land, a historic building or structure which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Historic Places, or afford vistas of marshes, shoreline, forests with mature trees or notable geologic or other natural features which singly or in combination set the highway apart from other highways as being distinct.  The proposed scenic road shall have development that is compatible with its surroundings and must not detract from the scenic, natural character and visual quality of the roadway area.

           If approved, the scenic road designation means that any future alteration or improvement to the roadway must preserve its scenic qualities. 

          Anyone wishing to comment on this application may do so in writing no later than Friday, January 29, 2016.  All correspondence should be mailed or delivered to Colleen Kissane, Chairperson, Scenic Road Advisory Committee, Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, and P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT  06131-7546.