Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Office of Public Affairs

For Immediate Release
April 16, 2008

Media contact: Chuck Wolfe
Chuck.Wolfe@ky.gov
Mark Brown
MarkA.Brown@ky.gov
502-564-3419

Transportation Cabinet prepares for mowing season
Motorists asked to slow down, stay alert in mowing zones

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is gearing up for roadside mowing season, which stretches from May to October. Crews have already begun mowing in the Louisville area in preparation for Kentucky Derby festivities.

“Kentucky has a good reputation for quality roadside maintenance,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather. “As Kentucky takes the international stage for the Derby, it is important for visitors to see the beauty of our commonwealth. A positive picture of our roadsides will leave a lasting impression.”

Mowing season will be in full swing by the second week of May. State and contract crews are charged with mowing approximately 27,500 miles of roadway – the entire state highway network. Crews will complete four mowing cycles, including litter removal on most interstates, parkways and other primary routes throughout the state. Three cycles are planned for state secondary roads.

Transportation Cabinet officials ask Kentuckians to ease the strain of mowing season by keeping the state right-of-way clear of temporary signs and other obstacles that can obstruct the path of mowers and pose a hazard for crew members and motorists.

Secretary Prather stressed that safety is a paramount concern for the mowing crews. “Last year, unfortunately, two people in Kentucky lost their lives while working in the mowing zone,” said Prather. “Motorists are urged to use extra caution when mowers are on the road. If we learn to treat all work zones as if one of our loved ones is a part of the crew, perhaps we will be more inclined to slow down and pay attention to what’s going on around us.”

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