Adopt-a-Road Program

The Larimer County Adopt-A-Road Program is a litter-reduction campaign designed to remove litter and debris from county roads and improve the quality of the environment.

The program establishes a partnership between volunteer groups and the Larimer County Department of Road and Bridge by working together in the efforts of litter control along neighborhood roads.

 

 

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  1. Always wear furnished orange safety vest. This vest is to provide motorists with the ability to see the workers and is necessary for the worker's safety.
  2. Stay off the traveled way wherever possible. The workers should be off the traffic lane and shoulder area for maximum safety when working. Divide into two groups to patrol both sides of the road at one time and minimize crossing the roadway.
  3. Leave children and pets at home and keep fellow volunteers under supervision at all times. Children and pets are not allowed on litter pickups due to safety reasons. All volunteers, especially minors between the ages of twelve and eighteen, must be supervised by a responsible adult in order to avoid dangerous situations.
  4. Park vehicles away from area to be cleared. Vehicles parked along the roadside in the cleanup area causes workers to walk in the roadway, creating a dangerous situation. Carpooling is an effective way to reduce the number of vehicles at the site and also conserve energy and minimize pollution.
  5. Observe all pedestrian laws and safety practices. This includes, but is not limited to, facing traffic when walking along shoulders, looking both directions before crossing, crossing at corners when possible, etc. Remember, this is for your protection.
  6. Keep filled litter bags off of roadway in shoulder area. This keeps the traveled way clear for motorists and safer for pedestrians.
  7. Notify the Sheriff's Department immediately in case of emergency. Dial 911 in case any emergency arises.
  8. Please be courteous to drivers. Being discourteous to drivers only creates more problems and can endanger other workers in the area. If a situation arises where a motorist is creating problems for the operation, notify the Larimer County Sheriff's Department immediately (970) 498-5141 as they are trained to deal with criminal and dangerous acts. Do not take the law into your own hands.
  9. Dress appropriately for the weather and take necessary precautions. Clothing, liquids, and protection from the elements are all vital for a safe and healthy day.
  10. Enjoy yourselves! This is a community effort that is to be congratulated. Larimer County is proud to have citizens like you willing to make the county a better place to live.

Don't:

  • Pick up litter on the roadway surface at any time.
  • Pick up litter close to the edge of the road or on any medians. Stay on the right-of-way facing traffic and stay with your team.
  • Play around or do anything that will distract passing drivers or other volunteers.
  • Work during peak travel times when traffic is heavy. Never schedule pickups during evening hours.
  • Participate in litter pickups while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications.
  • Overexert yourself. Take breaks. Drink liquids and dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Bring small children or pets on litter pickups.
  • Leave children or pets locked in the car at work locations.
  • Pick up materials which you suspect might be hazardous. Call the Poudre Fire Authority immediately at (970) 221-6581.

Do:

  • Car pool to pickup sites to keep the number of vehicles on the roadside at a minimum. Park in areas off the road and as far away from the pavement edge as possible. Use parking lots and wide spots whenever possible.
  • Wear the reflective orange safety vest provided for volunteers so that you can be seen. Be sure you have it on from the moment you leave your vehicle at the pickup site.
  • Wear light or bright-colored protective clothing, hard soled shoes and sturdy work gloves.
  • Use sun block and wear a hat.
  • Work only in daylight and in fair weather.
  • Stay alert for snakes and noxious weeds, and avoid them. Watch for broken glass.
  • Coordinate all pickups with the appropriate District Maintenance Supervisor at the Larimer County Road and Bridge Department.
  • Make sure that all volunteers are familiar with these safety precautions.
  • Stay alert for traffic when crossing side roads and driveways. Cross with signals.

Please be aware of the following when removing litter:

  • Don't step out into the road
  • Wear:
    • Heavy shoes or boots (tennis shoes will not give you the protection needed)
    • Gloves
    • Safety vests so motorists can see you
  • Be sure work area signs are posted
  • If you have allergies, watch for rag weed, etc.
  • Watch for:
    • Amber reflectors on delineator posts which indicate a hazard
    • Broken glass
    • Barbed wire
    • Snakes
    • Gofer holes
    • Deep ditches
    • Small wash outs in the weeds
    • Culvert heads
  • Be safety minded and aware of your surroundings at all times

CDOT Road Side Safety Videos


CONNECT WITH US

ROAD & BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
ADDRESS: 2643 Midpoint, Suite C, Fort Collins, CO 80525
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-4:30pm
PHONE: (970) 498-5650
EMAIL: rab-admin@co.larimer.co.us
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