COUNTY MOWERS ARE GEARING UP AND NEED ROADSIDES CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS

News Release from Lane Co. Government

Posted on FlashAlert: April 26th, 2023 6:32 AM

Drivers on rural County-maintained roads will see mowers clearing the road rights-of-way of grass and brush beginning this month. In the rural areas, the road right-of-way is typically from the pavement to the fence or private property line (anywhere the maintenance vehicles would drive). In the unincorporated parts of Eugene or Springfield, the right-of-way is the planting area between the sidewalk and curb.

Property owners can help prepare by ensuring they have not placed anything in the mower’s path in the road right-of-way.

• Political and other signs. No political signs, business signs or other types of signs belong in the road right-of-way. Signs may be removed and stored for 30 days at Lane County Public Works before being destroyed. Signs placed near a rural road must be on private property and behind any utility facilities (poles, closures, etc.) or sidewalks.
• Rocks. Rocks over 3 inches in diameter and other fixed objects must be removed from the right-of-way.
• Fencing. Derelict fencing can be both a hazard and a high-cost obstacle for mowers. Fencing that has fallen into the road right-of-way can become entangled in the equipment, or can make it impossible to clear the affected area of grass and brush.
• Ornamental vegetation or other plantings. Plants in the right-of-way, especially those that grow large and aggressively, will be removed. Plants in the right-of-way will be mown to the lowest level practical in order to provide the longest-lasting effect.

“Mowing helps us reduce fire danger and make sure that drivers have clear lines of sight on County roads,” said Chad McBride, Lane County vegetation supervisor. “It’s really helpful when people keep things like fences and signs out of the right-of-way. They slow us down, can damage our equipment, and don’t belong there in the first place.”

By keeping items out of the right-of-way, residents can avoid unnecessary expense and hassle, save taxpayer money by saving Public Works personnel from having to remove signs and other items, and help protect your neighbors and visitors from accidents.

Drivers are allowed to pass the mowers on the left when it is safe to do so, but must remember that oncoming traffic takes precedence.