Mowing Along SC Interstates to be Reduced in Cost-Savings Measure

CHARLESTON, SC – May 6, 2009 – In an effort to reduce costs, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is limiting the amount of mowing along interstate highways across South Carolina.

By reducing mowing on interstates, SCDOT will save up to $1.3 million this year based on current contract prices.

Grass along shoulders and medians on interstate highways will be mowed three times this year. Historically, there has been an average of five mowing cycles from April 1 through December, depending on conditions such as rainfall. Each mowing cycle costs $684,000 statewide, according to current contracts.

This year’s mowing season will run from April 1 to Oct. 31. The three cuttings will occur in early, mid- and late-season.

“The motoring public may notice the effects of reduced mowing, but there will be no adverse impact to highway safety,” said Secretary of Transportation H.B. Limehouse Jr. “This is being done strictly to save money and stretch our dollars further.”