RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is revving up for a mowing blitz to get the Commonwealth picture perfect for the busy Fourth of July holiday.
Officials said in a news release Tuesday state and contractor crews are coordinating their work schedules through July 2 to get as many state maintained roads as possible trimmed before Independence Day.
Crews will also pick up litter and work to get the grass cut on medians and shoulders.
“A clean, well-cut roadway enhances the state’s appearance for residents and visitors, but of greater importance is the effort to improve a motorist’s ability to see signs, guardrail and oncoming traffic, and to pull over during an emergency,” said Governor McDonnell in a news release.
Here is some more information from VDOT about the mowing blitz:
Keeping Crews Safe
VDOT’s maintenance crews and contractors mow in a slow-moving mobile operation, with tractors and workers on foot. To protect workers, motorists are asked to:
- Watch for posted work zone signs, slow-moving equipment and crews along roadsides and in medians
- Reduce their speed
- If possible, move over to the adjacent travel lane when approaching a work zone
Reporting Potential Hazards
Motorists are encouraged to contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD 800-367-7623 to report sight distance hazards on interstates or roadways.
Potential safety hazards may include grass, trees or other vegetation blocking highway signs, or blocking a motorist’s view of oncoming traffic.
Mowing Schedules
VDOT adheres to a mowing schedule that is dependent upon weather conditions, which affect the vegetation growth rate.
Virginia Tech advises VDOT on its mowing schedule and mowing practices to help the agency make decisions based on predicted weather patterns and the type of vegetation growing in each region of Virginia.
