Improving Roadside Visibility

Work crews are about to attack overgrown brush along Nova Scotia's highways to help increase visibility for motorists.

"Improving highway safety is always our main objective," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

The brush cutting campaign is about to begin along secondary highways throughout the province and will continue into December.

"Our highway workers are set to start this week, cutting trees and brush, and making sure road signs are clearly visible to motorists," said Mr. Russell. "This work is needed and it's the perfect time of year to get it done, when there is less foliage on the tress and before the snow flies".

High brush can hide highway signs and potentially create a hazard by attracting animals out of the woods and closer to the road.

Brush cutting and mowing are part of the department's roadside vegetation program, which promotes safety and protection of the roadways.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains 4,100 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries.