Volunteers Help Keep Southern Tier Highways Tidy

Roadways around the Binghamton area are benefiting from the work of volunteers who participate in the Adopt-A-Highway program.

David Hamburg, a spokesman for the New York State Department of Transportation in Binghamton, says many sections of highways across the region are beautified by people who join together to do litter collection and other work.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Hamburg said the DOT seeks a commitment from those who adopt a stretch of highway to perform some regular work, usually at least four times a year.

Hamburg said groups do beautification work more frequently, sometimes on a monthly basis.

Training and equipment is provided to those who participate in the Adopt-A-Highway program.

The length of highway segments adopted by volunteers can vary. Hamburg noted one group has adopted the Johnson City roundabout and routinely works to beautify that specific area.

Some stretches of highway are deemed to be too hazardous for the Adopt-A-Highway program. Each segment must be evaluated before approval is given for adoption.

Adopt-A-Highway agreements generally run for two years.

People interested in more information about the program in the Binghamton area may call 607.775.0522.

Information also is available at www.dot.ny.gov/programs/adopt-highway.