Why is it necessary to cut the grass on the sides of highways or the median strips?
I’m assuming there’s a reason other than aesthetics. Seems like it takes a fair amount of work to do the work, and it causes some disruption to traffic as they usually have to close a lane to do it.
But it also seems like it would be better for wildlife to leave the higher grass.
Is it safety? Visibility? Fire prevention? Anyone know?
In: Engineering
It’s safer for animals (dogs/deer mainly) to mow the grass. Reduces the desireability to try and hang out there and increases visibility for drivers to see them if they decide to run out into the road. Its not perfect by any means, but gives better chances for drivers to avoid them.
It can also help with maintaining the highway. Tree roots can run close to the surface and break up the road surface. Mowing the shoulders and medians keeps trees from growing in those areas right next to the road.
And doing something for aesthetics isn’t a bad thing. A nice clean and well kept area does a lot to help people’s mood. I know I enjoy driving down a well kept litter free highway a lot more than one that is overgrown with trash all over the place.
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