Category:822 Roadside Vegetation Management

MoDOT's roadside management philosophy is to preserve, enhance and diversify the roadsides of Missouri’s transportation system. Our roadside management program helps keep Missouri roadsides safe and attractive. This program establishes and maintains desirable roadside vegetation to control erosion. Another aspect of this philosophy is to promote, preserve and establish pollinator-beneficial habitats when feasible.

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This is accomplished through several methods including an effective herbicide program, fertilization, mowing, brush control and litter removal. Wildflower and native grass plantings, landscaping and naturalized vegetation are also part of maintaining and improving safety and roadside appearance. Combining different management practices, such as these, form an Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) program.

The sharing of best practices among districts results in greater efficiency and effectiveness. Money is saved on labor and mobilization by making mowing a focused priority during scheduled times. Consistency is also improved.

Roadside Vegetation Management Policy

Vegetation in sight distance areas shall be controlled as necessary on all routes.

Equipment shall not be used on slopes steeper than 1V:3H (3 to 1) unless designed for that purpose. Reliable, manufactured slope indicators shall be used on all mowing equipment.

New trees or hardscape features shall not be permitted within 30 ft. from the nearest traveled way. This distance is extended to 40 ft. on routes with 65-70 mph speed limits. Exceptions may be permitted if behind barriers or if other special circumstances exist.

Vegetation shall be removed that interferes with the visibility of MoDOT signs.

Traffic control shall be performed according to the most recent edition of EPG 616.23 Traffic Control for Field Operations.

Noxious weed control shall be done on all routes, as required by federal, state and county laws and regulations. Noxious weed control shall be by either chemical or biological means.

Vegetation management practices shall not conflict with efforts to protect state and federally designated endangered species. Refer to the Natural Heritage Database Information. Contact the Design Division’s Environmental Section at (573) 526-47786 for assistance.

Design Aspects of Mowing

Mowing should be specified for projects requiring significant mowing during construction. The project core team, with significant input from district Maintenance, should determine which projects will require mowing during construction. The district should include in the proposal the job special provision titled "Mowing", JSP-00-11. This special provision specifies mowing the entire project limits, but if only specific areas are to be mowed, the designer needs to specify those locations in the special provision. Specific locations to be mowed and approximate number of mowings should be coordinated with district Maintenance.