RICHMOND – April not only brings showers; it also brings Adopt-a-Highway volunteers out each year for Virginia’s statewide spring pickup. The event, which takes place April 29 this year, will line the commonwealth’s roadways with orange “Cleanup Crew Working” signs along with volunteers dressed in bright orange vests and armed with bright orange bags.

The statewide effort, which typically precedes Historic Garden Week (April 22-29), was moved this year due to the Easter holiday and spring breaks.

The Virginia Department of Transportation program includes thousands of volunteers who are encouraged to get out in force on this annual spring cleanup day. Approximately one-quarter of Virginia’s 57,000-plus miles of state-maintained roads are adopted.

With 18 years of success, Adopt-a-Highway has helped generate related programs such as Adopt-a-Spot, Adopt-a-Street, Adopt-a-Stream and Assign-a-Highway to help keep Virginia beautiful. The Adopt-a-Highway program alone saves the state an estimated $3 million annually in litter control services.

For more information, go to the Adopt-a-Highway pages of VirginiaDOT.org or call 1-800-PRIDE VA (1-800-774-3382).

Page last modified: April 11, 2006