MaineDOT will begin its annual brush control program along Maine?s highways starting as soon as Monday, July 9th. Four regions in the state will conduct brush control spraying on selected state roads in their regions. Robert Moosmann from MaineDOT?s Maintenance and Operations Division says, ?We are targeting young trees, hardwoods six feet or smaller and softwoods three feet or smaller to control them before they become a problem.? Trees left to grow, quickly reduce visibility obscuring signs, traffic signals, and other structures. Trees limit sight distance at curves, entrances, and hills resulting in reduced safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and children at bus stops. Reduced visibility decreases driver reaction time and increasing the risk of accidents.
In 2012, MaineDOT will spray approximately 2,860 miles of state maintained roads in 298 towns, townships, and unorganized territories. For landowners and municipalities that may object to the use of herbicides, MaineDOT provides ?No-Spray Agreements.? Participants agree to remove brush in ?safety clear zones? adjacent to their properties in lieu of herbicide treatments. For more information about the spray program, or to request a ?No-Spray Agreement,? contact your local MaineDOT Region Office:
- Region 1 (Scarborough) 885-7000
- Region 2 (Augusta) 624-8200
- Region 3 (Dixfield) 562-4228
- Region 4 (Bangor) 941-4500
- Region 5 (Presque Isle) 764-2060