Roadway maintenance isn’t only about fixing potholes, painting lines or placing pavement markers.
Mowing operations at the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) are a key part of keeping the state’s roads safe and well-maintained. Although it might seem like just another routine task, mowing serves an important purpose that goes beyond simply keeping things tidy.
Grass and weeds that grow too tall can block signs and obscure views of deer that might wander onto the road. Regular mowing keeps these areas clear and gives drivers a better chance to see what’s ahead and to react in time.
Steven Drake, agronomist for the West Central Region, said managing vegetation along the roadway is vital.
“It’s important for us to keep grass at a manageable height, whether we do it through spraying or mowing,” Drake said. “It’s not just about how it looks, but it’s really about safety. Sight-distance issues are a real thing. Johnson grass can grow from six to eight feet, so we want to remove it altogether. We want to make sure that we’re doing our part to keep the traveling public safe.”
