The Monroe County Department of Transportation plans to begin application of roadside herbicides to selected guiderail locations and signs posts on county highways.

The County manages roadside vegetation biologically, mechanically and chemically to keep its highways safe. Neglected roadsides eventually create massive overgrowth that block lines of vision to signs, guiderails, intersections, other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. In addition, undesirable plant species can grow large, creating a hazard in the vehicle recovery area, and strong root systems break apart pavement along the edge of the road.

To manage roadside vegetation along 38 miles of guiderail on Monroe County roads in the Greater Rochester area, the Department of Transportation takes a biological, proactive approach to minimize the need for control by establishing desirable vegetation during construction projects. The grasses are maintained primarily by mechanical methods, including mowing and tree trimming/removal projects. The 2.5 percent of county highways that cannot be controlled by mechanical means are treated chemically. These areas, primarily under and behind guiderails, are often sprayed with a hand-held applicator.

This project will be executed in compliance with the New York State Department of Transportation's Integrated Vegetation Management Plan, which includes approved methods of control and tactics to minimize the need for control as outlined in the Department's Environmental Initiative. The State D.O.T. has a toll-free hotline for county residents to find out if there are plans to spray in their area: 1 (877) 201-8762.