October 19 – East Tennessee Crossing, the stretch of U.S. Highway 25E from Cumberland Gap to Newport that connects the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, received a National Scenic Byway designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

 

“The America’s Byways designation acknowledges the regional and national historic significance of the East Tennessee Crossing and will increase the number of visitors and boost tourism in the region,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “But more than that, it shines national attention on the cultural heritage and the natural beauty of this stretch of highway, offering an opportunity to help protect and preserve our precious East Tennessee resources for future generations to enjoy.”

 

In 2003, the Scenic Byway Committee was formed to pursue this designation from the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program by five East Tennessee counties – Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson and Cocke. Congressman Wamp wrote a letter of support for the project, which received a competitive grant to develop the corridor management plan that provides the vision for the byway and the surrounding areas.

 

The America’s Byways designation helps recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. East Tennessee Crossing is one of 42 new designations in 26 states.