Highway mowing is underway across Illinois

Posted on July 21, 2022
During the summer, IDOT conducts two primary types of mowing. (WJBC file photo)

By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD – Highway mowing is underway, and the Illinois Department of Transportation is urging drivers to slow down when approaching crews.

During the summer, IDOT conducts two primary types of mowing. Safety mowing occurs directly adjacent to the road as needed. Maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks starting July 1, includes areas next to culverts, ditches, traffic control devices and other structures and follows the Illinois Monarch Project Mowing Guidelines for Pollinators, protecting as much habitat and nectar resources as possible.

The mowing schedule helps to encourage pollinator activity, which assists in the reproduction of flowers, fruits and vegetables, essential to the health of the state’s ecosystem and economy. Reducing the amount of land maintained and growing pollinator habitat also protects the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and the monarch butterfly, the official state insect of Illinois.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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