MaineDOT to conduct roadside spraying in Aroostook County

15 years ago

    The Maine Department of Transportation will begin spraying along state roads in northern Aroostook county in order to control unwanted vegetation growing under guardrails starting the week of June 21.
    “Last year we began a strategic program designed to eliminate unwanted growth around guardrail structures in some of our regions,” explained Bob Moosmann, who oversees the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program for the Department.
    Controlling vegetation around guardrails provides many benefits including, increased visibility of animals, improved sight distance at curves, hills, and road and driveway entrances, better drainage, and reduced risks to workers repairing guardrail. Vegetation growing around guardrails can be a problem at driveway entrances blocking the ability of drivers to see a safe distance down the road.
    “We are responding to a number of complaints from around the state from folks who are having trouble seeing oncoming traffic,” Moosmann said.
    The area adjacent to guardrail is an ideal location for deer ticks waiting to get on unsuspecting workers repairing guardrail sections. Moosmann further stated, “Over the past several years we have seen an increase in the number of workers bitten by deer ticks. Clearing away the vegetation will help reduce the health risks associated with working around guardrail. Eliminating the vegetation will also improve drainage.” 
    MaineDOT is using an integrated, vegetation management approach for controlling unwanted vegetation in the proximity of guardrail. “We have reviewed all the state roads in the area and have selected a portion of them for guardrail spraying. In addition we split this area into two distinct management areas and spray in only one area each year,” explained Moosmann.
    An integrated approach helps reduce the use of herbicides and incorporates other techniques such as mowing or hand removal.  MaineDOT will use a contractor to perform guardrail spraying in Aroostook County. The materials used will include Oust XP (sulfometuron methyl) and Accord Concentrate (glyphosate). As part of its commitment to environmental and worker protection, MaineDOT uses the lowest mix and application rates possible. Technical information is also available from the MaineDOT, Bureau of Maintenance and Operations in Augusta by calling 624-3600.
    Routes to be sprayed include: Route 1, from Houlton to Fort Kent; Route 1A, from Mars Hill to Van Buren; Route 11, from T7 R5 (Knowles Corner) to Fort Kent; Route 163, Ashland to Fort Fairfield; and Route 161, Caribou to Allagash.