Chapter 2: Mowing Standards
Section 1: Types of Mowing
Overview
Each of the two levels (Developed Urban or Rural) as described
in Chapter 1 contains specific guidelines for when to perform modified
full-width, strip and spot mowing for safety. This section describes
each of these three types of mowing and provides standards for how
the work is to be done.
Modified Full-Width Mowing
Modified full-width mowing includes all unpaved right of way,
except for delineated non-mow or natural areas.
To promote
cost savings, on rural roadways with very wide rights-of-way or
medians, mowing shall be limited to a maximum of 30 foot width.
Generally,
non-mow or natural areas would begin at the toe of the slope in
fill areas or the back of the ditch for cut sections, as long as
clear zone requirements are met.The frequency of modified full-width mowing for a given roadway
will depend on the level of vegetation management assigned to that
segment of roadway
as described in Chapter 1 of this manual
.Exceptions to the 30 Foot Modified Full-Width Mowing Policy
Exceptions to the 30 Foot Modified Full-Width Mowing Policy
The District Engineer may consider exceptions to the policy based on the following criteria:
- Distance to right-of-way
- Brush control
- Adjacent land use
- Wildlife incident history/potential
- Wildlife history/potential
- Drainage issues
- Other factors.
Figure 2-1. Modified Full-Width Mowing in Llano County.
Strip Mowing
Mowing the area 14 to 15 feet from the edge of the shoulder (whether paved or unpaved) is called strip mowing. In addition to the strip along the shoulder, all strip mowing operations will include:
- mowing from the pavement edge or shoulder to the right-of-way line to developed areas (cemeteries, schools, churches, private dwellings, community centers, etc.)
- all mowing necessary to maintain adequate sight distances for intersections, private entrances, curves, off-ramps, on-ramps, signs, delineators and other appurtenances
- mowing around all appurtenances (signs, delineators, guardrail, culvert headwalls, etc.) that are within the designated strip width
- mowing the entire width of narrow medians of 15 feet or less and outer separations
- mowing full-width,a maximum of 30 foot width, from right of way to right of way for drainage where appropriate
- mowing a smooth and gradual transition that will blend the designated strip width with other areas that require a greater or lesser mowing width.
(Special situations, such as rural medians, intersections and transitions, are further explained in the following two sections.)
Figures 2-2 to 2-6 show examples of typical strip mowing operations.
Figure 2-2. Strip Mowing in Austin District.
Figure 2-3. Strip Mowing.
Figure 2-4. Strip Mowing.
Figure 2-5. Strip Mowing in Llano County.
Figure 2-6. Strip mowing in Llano County.
Spot Mowing for Safety
Spot mowing will be performed when and where necessary to maintain adequate sight distances for inside curves, off-ramps, on-ramps, intersections, private entrances, signs, delineators, and other appurtenances. Spot mowing is generally performed when safety needs arise between scheduled strip mowing cycles.
Figure 2-7. Spot Mowing.