Vegetation Management
General Description:
Vegetation Management is necessary to maintain a safe right-of-way by providing clear sight distances, to clear signs and fixtures of vegetation for visibility and functionality, to provide adequate drainage in roadway ditches, to reduce fire hazard and provide snow drift control. It is also necessary to protect the roadway surface from vegetation encroachment and to maintain drainage.
Effects of Solution:
¨ Increase Passenger Throughput
¨ Increase Roadway Capacity
þ Manage System Efficiency (Improves safety along a facility)
¨ Reduce Local Demand
Vegetation Management is primarily intended for maintenance of facilities, but it also impacts the safety of the roadway.
Examples of Implementation:
New Mexico Department of Transportation Vegetation Management Program
Costs/Financial Information:
Costs will vary depending upon management strategies employed, such as cutting/mowing vegetation, or planting new vegetation. Vegetation management may require new equipment, in addition to extra staff time or new staff.
Additional Resources:
National Roadside Vegetation Management Association web page:
Federal Highway Administration’s Roadside Vegetation Management web page:
http://environment.fhwa.dot.gov/ecosystems/vegmgmt.asp