Environment Archives

Jul 26

Taming the wild side: managing roadside vegetation

This is a picture of a tractor spraying a field of tall grass. The tractor appears to be equipped with a large tank and sprayer, likely applying herbicide or pesticide to the vegetation.

Maintaining Alabama’s expansive road network demands a skilled team. Agronomists are essential in managing roadside vegetation. Leading this effort is Jacob Hodnett, the state’s senior agronomist with the Alabama Department of Transportation. Overseeing operations, Steven Drake directs the West Central Region, while Billy Aaron heads the Southeast for ALDOT.

Balancing Beauty and Safety

A typical…

Feb 28

ALDOT, Fish and Wildlife biologists team up to protect the gopher tortoise

If you live in the South, the tortoise you see trying to cross the road may be more than a symbol of patience. Gopher tortoises are a species of high conservation concern in Alabama and are listed as “threatened” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

ALDOT knows the importance of keeping the gopher…

Nov 01

State Route 158 open to commercial possibilities while protecting the environment

Officials cut the ribbon to open SR-158 on October 17, 2023

Some have waited close to twenty years for a new highway connecting I-65 in Mobile to the Mississippi state line. When SR-158 opened to traffic on October 17, 2023, the wait was finally over and the environment had been protected.

Local elected officials, ALDOT engineers, and members of the community who witnessed the ups and downs…

Oct 23

ALDOT seeks input on Carbon Reduction Strategy

The Alabama Department of Transportation is inviting the public to give input on a draft Carbon Reduction Strategy. The comment period will end on Nov. 6, 2023.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law adopted in November 2021 created the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). That program provides funds for states to reduce transportation emissions. ALDOT is creating a…