INDOT says roadside signs in right-of-way will be removed

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) wants to keep its right of ways clear of any signs for obvious safety reasons.

INDOT officials remind Hoosiers that all signs are prohibited from federal and state highway rights-of-way, by Indiana Code 9-21-4-6.

The problem with roadside signs is generally more prevalent during major election years like this one, but politicians aren't the only culprits.

"INDOT personnel are empowered by state law to remove unauthorized signs, including real estate, advertising and political signage, within the state right-of-way," Cher Elliott, spokesperson for INDOT's Vincennes District office said.

The right-of-way areas that must remain "sign-free" for the safety of the motoring public include:

* All interstates and their interchanges

* All intersections where at least one local, state or federal road intersects with a state or federal highway, and

* All rights-of-way paralleling federal or state highways (the right-of-way extends to the back of the ditch, to the fence line or up to utility poles).

"INDOT crews will not pull signs placed behind the ditch, fence line or beyond the public utility poles," Elliott stated in a prepared news release.

Signs that have been removed will be saved and can be claimed at the nearest INDOT Subdistrict office. To reclaim signs, local owners should call the Linton Subdistrict office on 12th Street SE. The number is 847-2245.