PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
A new sign installed near the overpass at North Shore Community College is one of 175 markers bearing the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway logo and located on roads traveling up the North Shore almost to the New Hampshire border.
BY THOR JOURGENSEN
LYNN — Known to most locals as the Lynnway, the stretch of highway between Market Street and the Nahant Rotary at Heritage State Park is now part of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway.
It links Lynn to 13 other North Shore communities. The park next to Seaport Landing offers views of Lynn Harbor and the Boston skyline. Its grassy expanses host summer events. A pedestrian overpass connects it to North Shore Community College’s campus.
A new sign installed near the overpass is one of 175 markers bearing the scenic byway logo and located on roads traveling up the North Shore almost to the New Hampshire border. The roads making up the byway pass by visitor destinations, like Heritage State Park, that play key roles in tourism economies throughout the North Shore.
James Marsh, community development director, said city officials were eager to include Lynn in the byway. He said they appreciate its value in promoting tourism and linking Lynn to rest of the North Shore.
The sign network directs drivers to the 90-mile byway from access routes leading from Interstate 95, Route 128 and Route 1.
From south to north, the byway communities are Lynn, Swampscott, Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury.
“Essex Heritage is pleased to be partnering with leaders in the 14 byway communities to promote greater visitation to hundreds of unique North Shore destinations, many of which helped to define America’s historical and cultural legacy,” said Essex Heritage CEO Annie Harris. “It’s a fitting tribute that through the development and promotion of the scenic byway these enduring local landmarks can continue to generate economic and quality of life returns for the businesses and residents of the coastal region.”
The Massachusetts Legislature created the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway in 2006 and identified a thorough sign system as a top priority for enhancing the byway. The Essex Coastal byway is one of 15 state-designated scenic byways in Massachusetts.
The Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that manages the Essex National Heritage Area by developing programs that enhance, preserve and encourage recreation, education, conservation and interpretation projects on Boston’s North Shore and the Lower Merrimack River Valley. It is comprised of the 34 cities and towns.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at tjourgensen@itemlive.com.