Letter: Maine roads need to be cleared of vegetation

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 31, 2026

Along miles of state roads, highways and interstates, trees, brush, and tall grass have been allowed to grow mostly unchecked, creating a serious safety hazard that should no longer be ignored. Overgrown vegetation can block sight lines at intersections, highway entrance ramps, and merging lanes, forcing drivers to make dangerous split-second decisions. On local roads and highways, it narrows the usable shoulder, pushing pedestrians and bicyclists farther into traffic lanes and increasing the risk of serious accidents. It can also reduce motorists’ ability to see deer and other wildlife before they enter the roadway, leaving little time to avoid potentially deadly collisions. It’s time to stop making excuses and start cutting back the overgrowth. ~ Rod Hathaway, Veazie