KYTC Crews to Remove Illegal Signs on State Highway Right-of-Way
PADUCAH, Ky. (March 8, 2022) — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews in District 1 will be removing illegal signs placed on state highway right-of-way.
Highway personnel will be picking up illegal signs when they are not working on other specific maintenance tasks.
KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat says political signs have been popping up early this year, mainly due to the large number of candidates competing in various primary races.
"Our highway right-of-way has been flooded with political signs in many of our counties," Poat said. "State law gives the Transportation Cabinet the authority to remove illegal signs from state property."
Poat noted that the signs are a distraction to motorists, and create a number of other safety issues. Depending on the highway, state right-of-way extends from 15 to 30 feet from the edge of the pavement. The fence line along nearby fields provides an indication to the location of property lines. In the case of most 4-Lane highways, right-of-way extends to the fence line, and includes the roadway side of fences.
Residents, business operators, and property owners are reminded no signage is allowed on state right-of-way other than official highway signs and items approved through a permit process. Particularly, political yard signs, as well as signage promoting yard sales and property sales, must be placed beyond right-of-way limits. Signage is not allowed on the roadway side of right-of-way fences.
Items placed on right-of-way areas can create significant delays for mowing crews and are a potential hazard for mowing operators and passing motorists. They can create additional hazards by distracting drivers and blocking the view of oncoming vehicles; particularly at intersections. All yard sale activities, including parking, should be off right-of-way limits.
It is also illegal to attach items such as flyers, posters, balloons or streamers to stop signs, highway markers, or any other road sign, or utility pole. Illegal sign placement on utility poles creates potential hazards for utility personnel.
Once highway crews start their sweep to remove illegal signage, all removed signage will be taken to each county’s KYTC maintenance facility where it will be held for a short time. Unclaimed materials will be dumped or recycled.
KYTC District 1 is responsible for more than 2835 miles of highway in Trigg, Lyon, Crittenden, Livingston, Marshall, Calloway, Graves, McCracken, Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton counties.
To get KYTC District 1 traffic advisories and alerts via email go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYTC/signup/13651 and click on counties you regularly drive through, or on any of the specialty corridors you travel. Be sure to check your SPAM filtering to assure Gov Delivery is on your approved email list.
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