The Attributes and Amenities
of Highway Systems that are Important to Tourists
 What
do tourists need from a highway system when going to or returning from
their destination? That is the driving question behind this study. Eleven
road segments in Minnesota were examined in a user survey that addressed
road travelers' preferences for physical characteristics, aesthetics,
and amenities of that segment. The user survey was based on earlier focus
group work that provided the framework for this portion of the study.
 Results
revealed that road travelers are able to differentiate between physical
and socially derived attributes and amenities associated with a particular
roadway. Roads do indeed have character, and users are able to identify
and evaluate characteristics specific to each road segment. Certain road
characteristics strongly influenced users' trip satisfaction. Specifically,
many roadway features related to maintaining scenic and environmental
qualities were highly valued. It was also apparent that users are not
supportive of additional business development along some roadways, instead
preferring to see that activity clustered in communities located on the
road segment. Benefits sought and attained by road travelers frequently
included the opportunity to be with friends and family, escape from everyday
life, and relaxation.
 Results
also revealed that even though a particular roadway may not have official
scenic designation, user evaluations were similar to or even more focused
on the scenic qualities of that road when compared to roadways with official
scenic designation.
 This
project was funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).
Oversight responsibility for the project included constituting a Technical
Advisory Panel (TAP) for project feedback.
Final report is available: Attributes
(.pdf file)
For more information about the project contact:
Bill Gartner,
Principal Investigator
Dan Erkkila, Co-Principal
Investigator
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