Drivers in Illinois are advised to drive with caution through August 15th during peak roadside mowing season

Illinois drivers are being urged to use extra caution as IDOT crews enter peak roadside mowing season. The Illinois Department of Transportation says mowing crews will be working statewide, with the heaviest operations continuing through August 15th. Officials ask motorists to slow down and give workers and equipment plenty of room. IDOT says safety mowing happens near roadways as needed, while maintenance mowing focuses on areas near ditches, culverts, signs, and other structures. The schedule is also designed to protect pollinator habitat, including areas used by “monarch butterflies” and the endangered rusty patched bumblebee, while supporting Illinois’ ecosystem and agricultural economy.

“You’ll see our mowing crews throughout the entire state so please remember to give them room to do their jobs safely,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Our top priorities are protecting our workers, the public and the environment.” ​

The effort is part of the Illinois Monarch Action Plan, launched in 2020 through the Illinois Monarch Project. That partnership brings together state and local groups working to increase and protect habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The goal is to support monarch survival and migration by encouraging more native plants and reducing unnecessary disturbance in key areas. IDOT has also released a short video explaining the program on its “YouTube” channel.