Roadside Maintenance

Mowi​ng

• ​Mowing S​​chedule
  State-funded Interstate mowing is conducted three times per year in Bullitt, Franklin, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble Counties. Secondary Roads (U.S./KY) are also mowed three times per year.
  
  
• Cycle Duration
  Each cycle takes approximately one month to complete.
  
  
• Growth Regulators
  A cycle of growth regulators was applied in early Spring. These regulators are designed to slow down the rate of grass growth, thereby reducing the frequency of mowing cycles. This measure has been proven to be cost-effective in terms of savings. Therefore, the application of growth regulators in early Spring is intended to decrease the number of mowing cycles required throughout the year. This application helps save costs associated with mowing and maintaining roadways and interstate highways.
  
  Drivers are used to seeing neatly trimmed grass extending from the roadway edge to the border of the state-maintained property. Beginning this year, motorists will encounter a new look at rural interstates, parkways, and some other routes. Mowing will be done less often, focusing on a 15-foot strip adjacent to the shoulder.
  
  *Note: ​See 'Pollinator Plots' section for further explanation.
  
  
• ​Interstate Mowing limits
• I-64
  Jefferson to Franklin/Woodford County line
  
  
• I-65
  Jefferson to Bullitt/Hardin County line
  
  
• I-71
  Jefferson to Trimble/Carroll County line
  
  
• I-264
  Jefferson County 
  
  
• I-265
  Jefferson County

On interstates, mowing and litter cycles are funded by the state and completed three times per year. KYTC District 5 covers an additional litter pickup within Jefferson County. Louisville Metro Government (Metro) also funds additional litter cycles. In 2024, Metro has funded an additional four cycles (December, January, February, and March). Therefore, eight litter cycles and three mowing cycles will be performed in Jefferson County in 2024. Note: Litter is picked up prior to each mowing cycle (see 'Litter' section for more details).

In Jefferson County, KYTC is only responsible for the maintenance of interstates (I-64/I-65/I-71/I-264/I-265). Our crews repair potholes, pick up debris, and ensure interstates are hazard-free for motorists. 

Additionally, KYTC crews perform street sweeping and drain cleaning as needed on interstates, with sweeping operations currently being performed by a contractor. Any non-interstate "state highway" (for example, U.S. 60 or KY 913) is maintained by Louisville Metro Government.​​

Litter

There are three state-funded litter cycles, with District 5 paying for an additional cycle. Therefore, interstate litter pickup is completed four times per year in Bullitt, Franklin, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble Counties. Litter is picked up prior to the beginning of each mowing cycle. 

Franklin County funded an additional litter cycle in December.

Note: Motorists may see white bags on the side of the interstate, which will be picked up after the day's work is completed. Please watch for this signage as our contractor is completing their essential work: 

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This page is maintained by KYTC District 5 Staff, who may be contacted to make corrections or changes.

​Page Last Updated: 10-24​-2024​