The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, from just north of Key Largo to Key West, was designated last Friday, 16 October, as an All-American Road by the US Federal Highway Administration, the first and only All-American Road in the Sunshine State of Florida.

The All-American Road designation is the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways programme and only 30 other roadways in the USA have earned the prestigious title.

Roads can be recognised as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. To earn All-American Road status, a thoroughfare must possess characteristics of national significance and features that don’t exist elsewhere, making it a visitor destination in itself.

Originally completed in 1938, the Overseas Highway incorporates 42 bridges over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They include the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon, which stretches 6.79 miles across open water and was referred to on its completion as “the eighth wonder of the world.”

The Overseas Highway follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when Standard Oil millionaire Henry Flagler completed the extension of his Florida East Coast Railroad from Miami to Key West. Construction of the highway began after the railroad ceased operating following a 1935 hurricane.

In 1982, 37 of the original bridges including the Seven Mile Bridge were replaced with wider spans. Most of the historic bridges still stand alongside the newer ones and now serve as fishing piers for anglers.

Note to Editors: High-resolution photography is available on the Florida Keys media Web site at http://media.fla-keys.com

The direct link to images is:

http://media.fla-keys.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=252
FOR MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY:
Contact: Lisa Cooper / Kate Burgess-Craddy
lisa.cooper@kbc-pr.com / kate.burgess@kbc-pr.com

+44 (0)1825 763636

www.fla-keys.com/media