There are already plenty of signs marking Riverside Drive as it parallels the south bank of the James River across Richmond.
The road could soon be getting more.
Legislation is working its way through the city's government to have Riverside Drive designated as a "Richmond Scenic Byway."
The proposal, approved by the City Council's land-use committee this month, is to go before the full council next month. If passed, the measure would provide another method to protect a road that many consider one of Richmond's natural treasures.
"We're always trying to recognize what a wonderful asset the James River is to the city, and this is just another way of recognizing that," said City Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano, who sponsored the legislation and whose 4th District includes Riverside Drive.
Riverside Drive, which over the years has accumulated various roadside signs designating everything from bicycle trails to "salamander crossing" zones, would be in line to get a new set of markers recognizing its status as a local scenic byway.
Graziano and other supporters said such a designation would serve as another tool to help the city protect the historic, scenic and cultural interests of the river and the areas immediately adjacent to it. In essence, it would be a visible reminder to developers and others that the city regards the area as a valuable natural resource, and that the riverfront's attributes need to be considered when it comes to areas such as development, traffic flow and the like.
Riverside Drive starts at the south end of the Lee Bridge, near Cowardin Avenue, and snakes its way west, ending at Hickory Road, roughly halfway between the Huguenot and Willey bridges. Along the way, it provides numerous vantage points of the river as well as the downtown Richmond skyline.
Even though a significant portion of Riverside Drive affords views of the downtown landscape, the road can leave travelers feeling like they're exploring one of Virginia's pristine rural outposts -- far, far from the capital city's concrete and steel office towers.
And that, according to Riverside Drive's supporters, is what makes it special.
Indeed, the nearly 3,000 miles of roads on the state-designated Virginia Byways program, designed to highlight areas of natural beauty and historic significance, are almost exclusively in rural areas. And Richmond officials said they have been unable to find any other Virginia cities that have designated any of their local roads as scenic byways.
"We believe it to be unique in Virginia," said David Hathcock, Graziano's City Council liaison.
The proposal was originated by the Friends of James River Park and has earned the backing of the civic associations representing all the neighborhoods through which the road passes: Woodland Heights, Forest Hill, Westover Hills and Southampton.
Graziano said the road's attraction is a natural to anyone who travels on it.
"It's just plain nice," she said. "It makes your day when you get to go on Riverside Drive."
Contact Joe Macenka at (804) 649-6804 or jmacenka@timesdispatch.com.
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