Signs, vegetation can block driver visibility, pedestrian access

Signs in the right-of-way and overgrown vegetation can block traffic signs, street lights and impair travelers' visibility.

Signs placed in the road right-of-way, which generally includes the roadway, ditches, shoulders and sidewalks, are illegal. Signs should not be attached to traffic sign posts, power poles or signal cabinets. Illegally placed signs are subject to removal by the County.

	Click to enlarge

Property owners or lawful occupants are responsible for maintenance of vegetation in the right-of-way. This includes vegetation hanging over the road, covering signs, near sidewalks, blocking light from street lights or impairing travelers' visibility at intersections.

Trees and shrubs must be trimmed to a minimum of:

The County may trim trees or other vegetation within the road right-of-way when it's interfering with the use of the right-of-way or is having adverse impacts to the road or traveling public.

Length limit set on 175th Avenue

	Click to enlarge

A 50-foot vehicle length limit is in effect for 175th Avenue, between Alvord and Outlook lanes, to improve safety for all travelers.

Trucks longer than 50 feet, with the exception of log trucks, are not allowed on this section of 175th. Impacted drivers must use an alternate route or apply for an oversize truck permit.

The length restriction is expected to improve safety for all travelers along the road. A sharp horizontal curve on 175th Avenue, near High Hill Lane, is the site of numerous crashes involving large trucks crossing the centerline and hitting oncoming vehicles. An engineering study found trucks longer than 50 feet significantly over-track into adjacent lanes, onto shoulders or into guardrails.

Washington County's Motor Carrier Reference Map identifies countywide through-truck routes that avoid length-restricted areas. For more information, visit www.wc-roads.com.