Watch out for highway cleanup crews

Warmer weather means spring cleanup, and that includes along Wisconsin’s roadways.

As volunteers head outside to beautify our streets, motorists are advised to slow down and keep a watchful eye.

Adopt-a-Highway crews collect trash and recyclables that have been tossed along roadsides. They are primarily active during warmer months. Signs sometimes indicate which organization has “adopted” a highway, but crews can be anywhere. Nearly 2,800 groups help keep clean up streets through the Adopt-a-Highway Program.

Last year, volunteers collected more than 81 tons of garbage and recyclables.

Volunteers receive safety training as well as safety vests, highway worker signs and trash bags. There must be one adult supervisor for every five to six volunteers. Groups do not work in dangerous spots such as medians, bridges and steep slopes.

This year, the program will continue to encourage COVID-19 protocols such as face coverings and social distancing.

Volunteers are still needed to cover about 4,200 miles, or about one-third, of the highway system. For more information or to see volunteer opportunities in your area, check out the interactive map at wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/real-estate/roadsides/adopt-hwy/default.aspx.