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Senator Chris Murphy visited eastern Connecticut recently and talked about the national scenic byway program, which includes Rt. 169. Left to right are Pomfret Selectman Barry Jesserun, Pomfret First Selectman Maureen Nicholson, Murphy and Jean Barton, a Pomfret business owner. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

 

Senator Chris Murphy was in eastern Connecticut last month making several stops to meet with constituents last week.  On one of his stops he met with representatives from towns along the Route 169 Scenic Byway corridor to discuss the future of the byway.  Officials and interested parties from Pomfret, Woodstock, Norwich, Brooklyn, and Canterbury were on hand along with John Filchak of NECCOG.

  One of the biggest selling point of northeastern Connecticut is the Route 169 National Scenic Byway that runs from the Connecticut-Massachusetts State Line in Woodstock, all the way down to Norwich. While it follows parallel with State Route 12 and I-395, this Route offers a more scenic north-south drive of the original New England with fields, scenic vistas, historical landmarks and infrastructure, and unique rural culture.

The Route 169 National Scenic Byway is 1 of 2 Nationally Recognized Byways in Connecticut (Merritt Parkway) and it is the mission at NECCOG to work with the Last Green Valley and towns to preserve this landmark, while also allowing it to be an asset in boosting economic development and tourism for the region. The Last Green Valley represents the last sections of southern New England that have been preserved through the rapid development that occurred throughout the last two centuries, and it is the mission of NECCOG to continue to provide collaborative efforts in preserving the byway. With plenty of sites, restaurants, hotels, and nearby activities, this is a route worth protecting.