Mud and other debris tracked onto roads is becoming a safety hazard for travelers. The Oregon Department of Transportation reminds farmers, ranchers and other property owners moving equipment across highways from adjacent fields or unimproved roads to be mindful of mud and debris tracked onto pavement surfaces.
“It is a real safety hazard when thick mud and debris is tracked to the highway,” said Transportation Maintenance Manager Shane Giffin. “This is especially problematic when the debris freezes and creates a slippery, bumpy surface that can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.”
Most recently, sections of U.S. 26 west of John Day and U.S. 395 south of Canyon City have been impacted in Grant County. Other highways adjacent to plowed fields throughout eastern Oregon are seeing the same issue.
Griffin said ODOT officials understand that farming and ranching is a way of life for many eastern Oregonians and does not want to impede the legal movement of farm equipment on state highways.
“ODOT crews work to keep the highways as safe as possible, but we need everyone to keep safety in mind,” Giffin said. “Please limit the movement of equipment when it might impact the safety of other travelers on the road,” Giffin said.
