Tall Vegetation Along Roadways Can Obstruct The Vision Of Drivers

MO DOT, Jan 27, 2005

MACON - As the weather warms up, the Missouri Department of Transportation's North Central District will begin mowing roadsides to maintain visibility at intersections, control undesirable weeds and keep areas along state highways more attractive.   According to the department, motorists will soon see MoDOT mowers along roadsides throughout the region.

"Grass, weeds and other vegetation grow quickly this time of year," said MoDOT District Engineer Mike Bruemmer.   "At the same time, more and more drivers are on our highways whether they are taking their children to warm weather activities, visiting family or going on vacation.   It is vital that we concentrate on keeping our roadsides mowed for the safety of motorists and the beauty of our state."

Tall vegetation along roadways can obstruct the vision of drivers attempting to access highways at interchanges and intersections.   It can also attract and hide deer or other animals that could cause accidents if they unexpectedly enter the roadway.

As the mowers do their jobs, driver safety and the well being of MoDOT crews are top priorities according to Bruemmer. 

"Sometimes we get questions about why a truck is following the mower," Bruemmer said.   "This truck has a sign to alert drivers to the presence of the mower.   Without the truck, signs would have to be erected along the roadside and moved periodically.   The truck is a safety precaution that protects both drivers and MoDOT workers and it allows for more mowing to be accomplished in a shorter amount of time."

MoDOT prioritizes its mowing activities based on location.   High profile areas such as raised medians, islands, roadside parks, commuter parking lots and locations with considerable pedestrian traffic are mowed most often and the vegetation is required to be maintained at four to eight inches in length.

Roadsides in developed areas, such as on business routes, are mowed next most often and must be kept at between six and 12 inches.   Undeveloped divided highways are mowed at six to 18 inches, as are undeveloped two-lane highways.   In each case, mowing begins when 50 percent of the vegetation reaches the maximum allowable length.

Crews concentrate their efforts on highways with shoulders to have them mowed prior to Independence Day in the summer and Labor Day in the fall.   The width of the area mowed may vary based on the type of equipment used and the width of the state right of way.  

Some areas may not be mowed as frequently if growth retardant compounds are used on the vegetation.   At the same time, mowing operations are weather dependant and can be delayed by rain or other inclement weather conditions.