Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking the public to slow down, proceed with caution and pay extra attention when seeing equipment and personnel during the peak roadside mowing season now underway.

IDOT says they are keeping with the recent practice of timing operations to preserve and promote pollinator habitat so the heaviest mowing period will continue until Aug. 15.

“By strategically scheduling when and where mowing takes place, IDOT is doing its part to help the environment and Illinois businesses,” says Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi, in a news release. “We need your assistance as well. Please be alert for mowing crews who work hard up and down the state, slowing down and giving them plenty of extra distance.” ​ ​ ​

IDOT says during the summer, the department conducts two primary types of mowing. Safety mowing occurs directly adjacent to the road as needed. Maintenance mowing starts around July 1 and lasts for around six weeks which  includes areas next to culverts, ditches, traffic control devices and other structures, while following the Illinois Monarch Project Mowing Guidelines for Pollinators, protecting as much habitat and nectar resources as possible.