U.S. Route 20
U.S. Route 20 in New York State is a 400-mile segment of a transcontinental route between Massachusetts and Oregon. Although its origins include Native American trails and early turnpikes, much of its present character was established with the rise of automobile travel early in this century. In fact, it is our state's Route 66.
According to Tania Werbizky, Director of Technical and Grant Programs, at the Preservation League of New York State, "Most of U.S. Route 20 is a scenic two-lane road passing through some of New York's most productive agricultural lands. It is also 'Main Street, New York,' traveling through some of the state's most attractive and historic communities. Unfortunately, due to unplanned development and highway projects as well as changes in the tourist community and in farming practices, its beauty is always in jeopardy."
Village edges and farmland are giving way to strip development while downtowns struggle to compete with regional malls. Some communities have never recovered from the impact of the Thruway's opening in 1954-56. However, because the highway represents over 200 years of state history, its potential as a heritage corridor is especially great.
In this "Seven to Save" designation, the Preservation League is focusing on a segment of U.S. Route 20 that includes portions of New York's earliest state-chartered roads - the First and Third Great Western Turnpikes - as well as segments of highway developed in the 1930's in response to growing automobile travel. The segment of Route 20 between Albany and LaFayette represents the beauty and the challenges facing this entire historic transportation route in New York.
It is especially appropriate to highlight U.S. Route 20 this year as it is the 200th anniversary of the state's charter for the first Great Western Turnpike which linked Albany to Cherry Valley. In 1803, a road was completed to Cazenovia as the Third Great Western Turnpike. Beyond Cazenovia to LaFayette, the highway is a 1934 alignment that reflects technological advancements in road construction and car manufacturing that allowed a straighter road to pass over some of Route 20's steepest hills.
Through careful planning and coordination, Route 20 could regain its status as a major attraction and scenic automobile corridor, especially in the creation of a heritage tourism program. This can be accomplished only if the many stakeholders work together. Local government leaders are the key. This part of the state could realize a regional economic benefit through creative and cooperative planning. Otsego 2000 understands the importance of this road, and is exploring designation of a portion of Route 20 as a Scenic Byway. Scenic Byway designation could market Route 20's assets and promote its long-term preservation.
Contact: Martha Frey, Executive Director, Otsego 2000, 607-547-8881