HELP PUT LITTER IN ITS PLACE ON THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE

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"Litter Blitz" Initiative Will Help Beautify Roadsides in the Lower Eastern Shore Counties

(March 28, 2018) - Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) maintenance crews on the lower Eastern Shore are preparing to undertake a “Litter Blitz” on Thursday, March 29 (weather permitting). Warmer weather is on the horizon and more seasonal visitors are expected to visit the shore. Crews will be out in force picking up litter on MDOT SHA-maintained roads in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

“Warmer weather is coming and hundreds of thousands of people will come to visit our counties, so we want to make sure our roadsides are litter-free,” said MDOT SHA District Engineer Jay Meredith. “Our maintenance crews are in cleanup mode and the litter blitz will allow MDOT SHA to maintain green roadsides and enable mowing crews a safe working environment.”

Since last July, 157 truckloads of litter have been collected in the four lower shore counties. The litter sweep will remove high amounts of trash on roadsides, which eventually finds its way into local waterways. 

With over 1,700 miles of state roadways in Dorchester, Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties, MDOT SHA continuously works to ensure that these routes are properly maintained and litter-free. The agency has partnered with The Maryland Department of Corrections and local “Adopt A Highway” organizations to help keep litter off the road, but residents can also play a role in reducing litter by pitching trash where it belongs – in a trash can.

This effort is part of MDOT SHA’s larger, statewide “Where Does It Go” campaign.  The campaign strives to educate drivers about the harmful effects of littering on the highways, where MDOT SHA spends an average $8 million per year on litter removal.

“We want to encourage all of our customers to be mindful of their waste and debris,” said Meredith. “If residents pitch in, we can put litter in its place and all of us can help keep Maryland beautiful.”

Motorists should pay close attention when driving near mobile work zones as crews are working next to high-speed traffic. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

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