Busiest roadside mowing period
underway planned to grow, protect pollinator habitat
Public urged to slow down, proceed with
caution around heavy vehicles
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[July 28, 2023]
The
Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public that
the roadside mowing period is underway, requiring drivers to slow
down, avoid all distractions and proceed with caution when
encountering equipment and personnel. The heaviest mowing operations
will continue until Aug. 15.
“Keeping our roadsides maintained during the summer and protecting
the environment are both vitally important,” said Illinois
Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “As we enter our peak mowing
season, please remember to reduce your speed, drop the devices and
drive extra carefully if you encounter workers. At the end of the
day, we want everyone to get home safely.”
During the summer, IDOT conducts two primary types of
mowing. Safety mowing occurs directly adjacent to the road as
needed. Maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks
and started July 1, includes areas next to culverts, ditches,
traffic control devices and other structures, while following the
Illinois Monarch Project Mowing Guidelines for Pollinators,
protecting as much habitat and nectar resources as possible.
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The mowing schedule helps to minimize the impact on the
traveling public and encourage pollinator activity, which
assists in the reproduction of flowers, fruits and vegetables
that are essential to the state’s ecosystem and economy.
Reducing the amount of land maintained and growing pollinator
habitat also protects the endangered rusty patched bumble bee
and the monarch butterfly, the official state insect of
Illinois.
To view a short video about IDOT’s mowing schedules and its work
with pollinators,
click here
or visit IDOT’s YouTube channel.
In 2020, IDOT joined in the launch of the Illinois Monarch
Action Plan as part of the Illinois Monarch Project, a
collaborative effort with local and state partners to help
ensure the survival and successful migration of monarchs by
increasing and protecting habitat.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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