Making a left turn across traffic would be much more dangerous if the grass in the median was so high you couldn’t see over it.
But those are details drivers don’t often have to think about. Alabama Department of Transportation employees working from the department’s district offices are taking care of mowing grass and many other details that keep the roadway safe.
To meet those important, day-to-day roadway maintenance needs, ALDOT has 41 district offices located around the state. From mowing grass along roadsides to erecting traffic signs and cleaning up litter, district staff serve from the front lines.
Employees from ALDOT District 74 in Ozark, Ala., recently gave ALDOTNews a glimpse into the work they do. If there is a pothole in the road, district crew will patch it. If heavy rains are falling, it’s time for the district crew to monitor for washouts on road shoulders.
The crew might need to remove water from roads to prevent drivers from hydroplaning and losing control of their vehicles.
When discussing the significance of roadside mowing, District 74 crew leader Nathan Riley explained, “It helps with sight distance when you come to an intersection, a stopped car, or a stop sign; it lets you see oncoming traffic and ensures a clear path to where you need to go.”
Installing traffic signs provides drivers with information on speed limits, traffic patterns, pedestrian crossings, school zones, construction areas and road conditions. “Drivers really couldn’t operate without it. They wouldn’t know the speed limit, and they’d risk getting tickets,” District 74 sign crew member Jeremiah McLeod said.
District offices also handle the removal of litter and debris from roadways and state right of ways. Large boxes, blown-out tire pieces, and even furniture can fall from vehicles, posing serious risks if drivers cannot avoid them.
James Cockerel, a District 74 litter crew member, gathers trash and debris to keep lanes clear and drivers safe. He noted that recap tires are the most common source of litter, especially during summer.
Large debris can be hazardous not only when driven over but also when drivers swerve to avoid it, increasing the chance of collisions. “Every bit of it is really important,” Cockerel said. “Keeping everyone safe is the main goal.”
District 74 superintendent Michael Dunaway echoed this commitment, highlighting the essential roles of the mowing, sign, and litter crews in keeping roadways and right of ways safe. “My job wouldn’t be possible without good employees,” Dunaway said.
ALDOT district staff also maintain rest areas across the state. Stephanie McWaters, who has worked at the Ozark rest area for seven years, described her team’s daily responsibilities. “We take care of all maintenance around the rest area. This includes cutting grass, weed eating, edging, picking up pine straw and pinecones, collecting trash from parking lots, cleaning bathrooms, maintaining the building, cleaning the fence line, and pressure washing,” McWaters said.
Drivers can stop at rest areas to rest if drowsy or pick up a roadmap if lost. The District 74 staff strive to keep these areas clean, safe, and welcoming for travelers.
ALDOT’s district teams go above and beyond to ensure the safety of all road users.
See a pothole that needs patching? Have a question about a specific road project? “ALDOT offers a convenient “Report a Concern” link that connects you to the right ALDOT district staff.”
