Mowing season is beginning along Kentucky state highways. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 highway crews and contractors are starting to mow grass on state right of way this week as weather conditions allow. Crews will be removing litter on some highways as well.
KYTC officials ask Kentuckians to do their part by keeping the state right of way clear of temporary signs and other obstacles that can obstruct the path of mowers and pose a hazard for mowing crews, as well as motorists.
The primary election in Kentucky is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17. KYTC personnel are beginning to notice political signs illegally placed on state highway right of way. Business signs placed on state right of way area also pose an ongoing problem. Kentucky law prohibits placement of these unauthorized signs on state right of way and requires that they be removed by highway personnel. The prohibition also applies to signs attached to utility poles and on the roadway side of boundary fences.
Campaign signs and other signs placed on state right of way that restrict sight-distance or otherwise interfere with mowing operations will be removed. Larger signs will be taken to the state highway garage in the applicable county and kept for 10 working days. Smaller signs, such as those held in the ground with metal frames, will be discarded.
“Signs illegally placed along highways often interfere with employees and our contractors as they go about their work. The signs can become a safety hazard for both highway workers and passing motorists if they are struck by mowers,” said Kevin McClearn, chief district engineer for KYTC District 2. “We ask political candidates, their supporters, and those advertising businesses and events to avoid placing signage along the roadside where they are a safety hazard for mowing and maintenance crews, and create a distraction for motorists.”
KYTC contractors will begin the first cycle of mowing today in Christian County and Daviess County. Mowing in Daviess County to begin on U.S. 60 includes U.S. 431, US 231, KY 603, and KY 2830 will then move into Ohio County. Mowing activities in Christian County will begin on the KY 1682 and U.S. 68 Hopkinsville Bypass, then work through Christian County along U.S. 68, U.S. 41-Alternate, and U.S. 41. Contractors will also move through Hopkins, Webster, and Muhlenberg counties during this cycle.
Mowing zones will be marked by appropriate signage and should be treated with the same caution as any other work zone. Drivers are urged to slow down and watch for slow-moving tractors and support vehicles that may be required to cross travel lanes from time to time as they go about their work. Motorists should also be mindful of personnel in close proximity to traffic flow in areas with ongoing mowing or litter removal.
KYTC District 2 is responsible for 3300 miles of highway in Caldwell, Webster, Union, Henderson, Hopkins, Christian, Muhlenberg, McLean, Daviess, Hancock and Ohio counties.
