Adopt-A-Highway volunteers prepare for final 2011cleanup

Upper Michigan motorists are being asked to be cautious over the next week as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers are preparing for the final clean sweep of state highways. The clean-up will take place from Saturday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 2. Approximately 3,100 groups will be out during the nine-day pickup period, said the Michigan Department of Transportation, and they will clean more than 7,000 miles of highways.

“Adopt-A-Highway volunteers help us stretch our limited resources while helping with an important task — keeping Michigan highways clean,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “It takes thousands of volunteers and we are grateful for their help. Please slow down and watch out for them as they pick up trash. Drive carefully through the pickup areas, just as carefully as you would through a construction work zone.”

Annually, the Adopt-A-Highway program saves MDOT about $1.5 million. The statewide beautification program is supported by groups who pick up litter three times a year, in April, July and September. Volunteer groups include members of businesses, families, churches and civic organizations.

Groups of three or more people interested in adopting a section of available highway are encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/adoptahighway for more details, and to view a video about the program.