High grass along state highways causes concerns with residents

DENMARK, Tenn. — Complaints are growing over tall grass the Tennessee Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining.

“This hasn’t been touched this year that I know of,” Gordon Tosh said.

He lives on State Highway 223 and said something has to be done.

“They got that boom arm that comes out and cuts some. They are supposed to spray. I’ve seen them spray it once last year one time to kill the grass in the ditch, but I haven’t seen them do it this year at all,” Tosh said.

He says it makes it hard for the little ones.

“To me, it’s a danger. You have snakes coming out of it. I got grand kids, and I don’t want them playing near this.”

Operation district manager for TDOT Cody Roberts said it is an issue they are working hard to fix.

“The mowing cycles are set up on contract,” Roberts said. “Each year they are bid out, and depending on the interstate or state route, it could be four mowing cycles or three mowing cycles.”

He said issues are causing delays, which in turn cause the grass to rise.

“This year we had an issue with our contractor,” Roberts said. “He fell behind because of scheduling issues and equipment breakdowns.”

Although the mowing is handled by contractors, they keep lawnmowers just in case of safety concerns.

“Whenever safety issues are encountered, our TDOT forces will go out and supplement the mowing to increase sight distance or whatever the need may be,” Roberts said.

But residents along the grassy areas said they just want results.

“Clean it up or at least make it match the yard that you’re mowing,” Tosh said.