ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS IN THE TEXAS WILDFLOWER PROGRAM

The Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation has installed a vegetation management system (VMS) to develop and implement the most cost-effective, practical and appropriate methods and concepts for managing roadside vegetation. VMS will integrate applicable maintenance methods (mechanical and chemical mowing, herbicides), basic objectives of the maintenance activities (safety, protection of investment, user comfort, and aesthetics), and the Department policies. The purposes of VMS are threefold: to reduce the cost of maintenance and labor; to create a sound native vegetation community on the highway right-of-way that is aesthetically pleasing; and to establish an unannounced right-of-way that blends rather than contrasts with its surroundings. The early establishment of the wildflower program is described. Their attractive appearance and beneficial erosion control aspects are noted. A year after implementation of the VMS, mowing costs in the 24 pilot counties were reduced an average of 23.1 percent. Changes in roadside appearance were also dramatic. The succcess of the program requires that native vegetation, including wildflowers, be utilized to the fullest extent. Ladybird Johnson's support and appreciation for beautification efforts in Texas are noted.

• Record URL:
  • https://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trcircular/307/307-002.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00978515
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Paper presented to the Committee on Roadside Maintenance of the Transportation Research Board's Group 3 Council on Operation, Safety and Maintenance of Transportation Facilities. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • McCully, W G
• Publication Date: 1986-7

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Pagination: p. 8-10
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Circular
  • Issue Number: 307
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0097-8515

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Chemicals; Herbicides; Maintenance; Maintenance management; Management; Mowing; Roadside; Vegetation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Maintenance costs; Management systems; Right of way
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Design; Environment; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00457900
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Sep 30 1986 12:00AM