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MAY 19 INFORMATION
Mowing along state right of way;
drivers, walkers should use caution
HIGHWAY DISTRICT 12 – May 19, 2010 – Spring mowing of shoulders along state roads started Monday, May 17, and will continue for the next several weeks in each of District 12’s seven counties: Lawrence, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Knott, Pike, and Letcher.
“When mowing season begins,” said Chief District Engineer Kevin Damron, “we have a special concern about folks who walk or jog on the shoulders of the roads as well as motorists. Everyone should avoid any areas where they seeing mowing machines at work.”
Mowing began on the district’s four-lane highways. Once that work is completed, crews will move to two-lane roads that are in the state system.
Damron said that vehicles, signs, and other objects which interfere with the mowing machines could be removed. For example, it is not legal to leave a vehicle or any type of equipment parked on the shoulder of a state road way. It is illegal to install a sign on state right of way. It is also illegal to post a sign to a structure already installed on state right of way. For example, a sign should not be bolted to guardrail. “Guardrail is there to protect vehicles. Signs interfere with that protection and create a potential danger,” Damron said. Even posting a sign for a yard sale, taped to a speed limit sign, for instance, is against the law.
“Some items create safety problems,” Damron pointed out. “They also interfere with litter pickup and the operation of heavy equipment used to mow the shoulders and medians as well as equipment used to clean out ditch lines. An emphasis on safety and beautification is important for all of us in Eastern Kentucky. Removing objects that are illegally placed on state right-of-way is just part of the job.”
Signs that are removed will be taken to the nearest state maintenance garage. If they are not claimed, they will be destroyed. District 12 has 10 maintenance garages in its seven counties: Lawrence County (near Yatesville Lake), Johnson County (at Staffordsville), Martin County (KY 645 just outside Inez), Knott County (at Hindman), Minnie in Floyd County, Allen in Floyd County, Letcher County (on US 119 near Mayking), Canada in Pike County, at Dry Fork of Shelby in Pike County, and on KY 194 between Kimper and Phelps in Pike County.
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