Warm weather means spring cleanup time along Indiana's highways
By Stacie DelaCuesta
Warmer weather means it is time for spring cleaning in the Hoosier State – and Indiana’s highways are no exception. This weekend, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) and Adopt-A-Highway groups will begin a major statewide effort to clean up Indiana’s highways during Trash Bash, from April 2-24, 2011.
Each year, hundreds of tons of trash are collected, sprucing up highways in time for spring. In 2010, 11,083 bags of trash and 79.5 tons of loose debris were collected from state highways and right-of-way areas. A total of 621 Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups logged 14,975 hours in this effort along with additional hours by available INDOT staff and DOC forces.
“We are happy to be a part of the state’s annual Trash Bash effort,” said Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Bruce Lemmon. “Cleaning up Hoosier highways is one of the ways that offenders can give back to the community and turn doing time into doing good.”
INDOT encourages all Hoosiers to keep Indiana’s highways clean by following these tips:
* Don’t litter: Set a good example for everyone, especially children.
* Be responsible: Carry a litter bag in your car instead of tossing trash out the window.
* Report it: Report areas where people have illegally dumped garbage to your local transportation, public works or conservation office.
* Adopt it: Individuals, families, school groups, sports teams, civic groups, scouting organizations, businesses and others are encouraged to participate in Adopt-A-Highway or other highway beautification efforts. For more information on various programs, please contact Linda Loxley at (260) 399-7338.
Motorists should be on the lookout for clean-up crews during Trash Bash. When drivers encounter a work crew they should slow down and remain alert for changing traffic patterns.
Warmer weather means it is time for spring cleaning in the Hoosier State – and Indiana’s highways are no exception. This weekend, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) and Adopt-A-Highway groups will begin a major statewide effort to clean up Indiana’s highways during Trash Bash, from April 2-24, 2011.
Each year, hundreds of tons of trash are collected, sprucing up highways in time for spring. In 2010, 11,083 bags of trash and 79.5 tons of loose debris were collected from state highways and right-of-way areas. A total of 621 Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups logged 14,975 hours in this effort along with additional hours by available INDOT staff and DOC forces.
“We are happy to be a part of the state’s annual Trash Bash effort,” said Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Bruce Lemmon. “Cleaning up Hoosier highways is one of the ways that offenders can give back to the community and turn doing time into doing good.”
INDOT encourages all Hoosiers to keep Indiana’s highways clean by following these tips:
* Don’t litter: Set a good example for everyone, especially children.
* Be responsible: Carry a litter bag in your car instead of tossing trash out the window.
* Report it: Report areas where people have illegally dumped garbage to your local transportation, public works or conservation office.
* Adopt it: Individuals, families, school groups, sports teams, civic groups, scouting organizations, businesses and others are encouraged to participate in Adopt-A-Highway or other highway beautification efforts. For more information on various programs, please contact Linda Loxley at (260) 399-7338.
Motorists should be on the lookout for clean-up crews during Trash Bash. When drivers encounter a work crew they should slow down and remain alert for changing traffic patterns.