Amid statewide budget cuts, the Georgia Department of Transportation vows to continue its commitment to motorist safety and will not sacrifice the mowing Roadside Enhancement Program. A critical component of the program includes maintaining safe site distances.

“We won’t sacrifice safety” stated David Crim, State Maintenance Engineer for Georgia DOT. He added, “Georgia is the transportation hub of the southeast and we will ensure our roads well maintained.”

By law, Georgia DOT is responsible for maintaining federal and state highways, including mowing and litter retrieval. Georgia DOT has an established Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) program, utilizing standard mowing procedures throughout the State.

As a part of the IRVM program, long term goals include a reduction in the overall cost of mowing. To meet the goal, Georgia DOT will reduce the amount of service contracts awarded and assume the jobs internally. However, the reduction will not impact safety in any way.

Cycles for mowing:

· Mow all mowable areas of the right-of- way including slopes no steeper than 3:1.

· First mowing cycle for all districts should begin between May 1 and 15, and be completed prior to the week of the fourth of July.

· Final mowing cycle should begin between September 1 and 15, and be completed the week prior to Thanksgiving.

· The District Maintenance Engineer may begin mowing earlier or later depending on weather conditions and/or the effectiveness of other factors in the IRVM program.

According to David Crim, “Georgia Dot reviews every concern and responds immediately to downed signage reports and road sight safety issues.”

Citizens are encouraged to call their district offices, or visit the GDOT customer service website at http://www.howsmyservice.dot.ga.gov to report site safety concerns.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).