Adopt-A-Highway Program
The State of Maine is
the 49th state to create an Adopt-A-Highway Program. MaineDOT’s
Final Rule was adopted on February 22, 1999 and amended slightly
in July, 1999 to include "townways". This site will provide
you with everything you need to know about this Program.
The MaineDOT will play
a relatively minor role in this program. It was designed by the
Legislature as one which would be driven by Maine local governments.
The MaineDOT will be involved in receiving applications from participating
municipalities and then reviewing the proposed sign assembly locations
on all public highways in those towns. Municipalities will be establishing
the local rules and regulations and other details to run the program.
The following links provide
specific details for municipalities wanting to start a Program:
For further information
or questions, contact email: peter.coughlan@maine.gov
or by phone at 207/624-3270
CHAPTER 207: ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
PROGRAM RULE
SUMMARY:
This rule establishes the procedures by which municipalities may
develop an Adopt-A-Highway Program for litter control and beautification
activities and erect signs identifying participating individuals,
business organizations and nonprofit community organizations.
Section 1 Definitions
(1) Department. "Department"
means the Maine Department of Transportation.
(2) Municipality. "Municipality"
includes cities, towns and plantations. In unorganized areas the
county commissioners shall act as the municipality.
(3) State Highways. "State
Highways" shall include all state highways as well as state-aid
highways as defined by the Department pursuant to 23
M.R.S.A. §53.
Section 2 General
Each municipality may
adopt its own Adopt-A-Highway Program for litter control and beautification
activities. Should a municipality want to erect signs on or adjacent
to state highways and townways the following rule shall apply.
The Department may allow
a municipality which wants to establish an Adopt-A-Highway Program
for litter control and beautification activities, a permit for up
to four sign assemblies. Each sign assembly may not exceed 50 square
feet. Each component panel identifying the individual, business
organization or nonprofit community organization participating in
litter control or beautification activities shall not exceed four
square feet. Upon approval by the Department, each sign assembly
and attached panels will be installed and maintained by the municipality.
Application for a permit
to erect an Adopt-a-Highway sign assembly shall be made on forms
furnished by the Department. The Department shall have final responsibility
and authority to determine the specific size and location of any
sign assembly. Sign assemblies not deemed to meet the intent and
purpose of the law or the criteria established in this rule shall
not be approved or erected.
Sign assemblies shall
not be permitted at locations within the highway right of way which
adversely impact the use or safety of the highway. Sign assemblies
may be erected outside the highway right of way on publicly owned
property. Sign assemblies shall be located so as to avoid visual
conflict with other signs, have the least impact on scenic and background
environment, and take advantage of the natural terrain.
No sign assembly nor litter
control and beautification activities shall be permitted within
the right of way of any state highway which is an interstate highway
or a fully controlled access highway.
Section 3 Materials
Individual sign panel
material shall be high density overlaid plywood a minimum of one-half
inch thick or others sufficiently stable, durable and weather resistant
product not to deform under normal conditions of weather.
Section 4 Removal
or Relocation of Sign Assemblies
The Department shall permanently
or temporarily remove (or relocate if possible) sign assemblies
under the following circumstances:
(1) if the space occupied
by the sign assembly is needed for other highway signs;
(2) in instances where
the sign assembly will interfere with highway construction and maintenance
activities; and
(3) for other safety or
operational reasons.
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