- If a municipality chooses to implement a local Adopt-A-Highway
(AAH) Program, the municipality is responsible for all aspects
of the Program with the exception of signs. The DOT is responsible
for approving the sign location, number, and size of all sign
assemblies on both State and local roads. Signs may be located
within a highway right-of-way or outside the right-of-way on publicly
owned property.
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Signs identifying the program and the participants may be
installed within the municipality and not necessarily along
the "adopted"
section(s). Sign panels shall be high density overlaid plywood
at least ½ inch thick or of other materials sufficiently
stable, durable, and weather resistant not to deform under normal
conditions of weather. Standard sign post materials should be
used. Do not use sign posts which will create a roadside "fixed" object
and pose safety problems. These signs will be the only signs
used to promote the Adopt-a-Highway program along the roadsides.
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The municipality will determine who bears the cost of producing,
installing and maintaining the signs. Signs should conform to
any local sign ordinances. The design of the sign(s) is a municipal
responsibility, however, the DOT would prefer to see municipalities
seriously consider using the suggested AAH design included herewith
for the sake of continuity of design throughout the State.
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A municipality may choose to require a cumulative total of at
least 1 mile of highway per organization to be the minimum eligible
for adoption. In addition, you may want litter pickup to be done
on both sides of the roadway a minimum of two times per year,
more often if necessary. Litter pickup in any highway median is
prohibited.
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It is suggested that participants be required to adopt for a
minimum amount of time, such as a two year period.
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The MDOT's Community Services Division should be notified
of all "adopted" State or State Aid Highways or townways,
regardless of their location. No interstate or controlled access
roadways are eligible for adoption.
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Any local community organizations, including civic, social or
school groups, will be allowed to adopt highways, as will individuals
18 years (suggested) or older. Participants should have municipally-approved
applications on file with the municipality. These applications
may include signed registration/release forms from everyone participating
in the pickup.
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Businesses that wish to sponsor groups may do so. Business names
and logos may go on the Adopt-A-Highway signs.
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A municipality may want to suggest that groups with members
less than 15 years old (suggested) must be supervised by adults
18 years or older. Individuals under 9 years of age (suggested)
should not be permitted in the cleanup area. There should be one
adult per eight under-age group members. Teams should stay on
one side of the road at a time.
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The municipality is responsible for possibly supplying plastic
trash bags, safety vests, work zone signs, etc.
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It is suggested that a town may want participants to separate
and recycle appropriate materials in compliance with local municipal
practices for their benefit.
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Participants should dispose of the filled trash bags in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the local community. The Maine
DOT will remove litter from the adopted State section only under
unusual circumstances; i.e. when large, heavy or hazardous items
are found and/or reported to the Maine DOT Division Office.
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Maine DOT Maintenance Division offices may monitor the program
in their areas.
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After each pickup, the municipality may want the adopting groups
to complete activity reports detailing the number of people involved,
number of bags of litter picked up, hours spent, etc.
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Cleanup during bad weather or when visibility is reduced or
restricted should be prohibited. The adopting group may need to
reschedule the cleanup.
