INDOT begins statewide mowing, litter pick-up and herbicide application

INDIANA — Contracted crews with the Indiana Department of Transportation are scheduled to begin mowing, litter pick-up and herbicide application later this month into early May as part of the agency’s multi-faceted roadside management program. Operations will take place throughout the spring and summer along Indiana’s more than 11,200 miles of state roads.

Mowing
INDOT performs mowing to maximize safety, improve sight distance and manage roadside vegetation. Crews are required to mow 15 feet from the edge of the paved roadway, including around signs, ITS (intelligent transportation system) structures, guardrail and cable barrier. Mowing cycles are scheduled based upon geographic location, weather and route type (urban, rural, etc.) 

Litter pick-up
Litter pick-up includes removal of trash and debris in state right-of-way. Last year, over 8,500 tons of litter was picked up along state roads. This effort is also supported through other INDOT programs, including Adopt-a-Highway and Sponsor-a-Highway.

Herbicide
Herbicide application helps INDOT combat invasive species and noxious weeds along state roadways. Selective types of herbicide are applied to specific sections of right-of-way to aid in roadside management between mowing cycles. Application timelines are set to reduce impact on nearby crops and allow for development of desirable vegetation. 

Motorists should watch for possible lane and shoulder closures along state routes as crews perform roadside management activities. Drivers should slow down, move over and avoid distractions as they encounter active crews. INDOT maintains more than 60,000 acres along Indiana’s highways. Additional information on INDOT’s roadside management program may be found at www.greenercrossroads.com.  

INDOT right-of-way is divided into different zones for vegetation management (clear zone, selective zone, natural zone).

Stay Informed
Motorists in Southeast Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time via:

• Facebook: facebook.com/INDOTSoutheast
• Twitter: @INDOTSoutheast
• CARS 511: indot.carsprogram.org
• Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android