CTDOT Is Announcing the 2026 Roadside Safety Vegetation Management Program

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing the Roadside Safety Vegetation Management (RSVM) program from May through August 2026, along Interstates 84, 91, 95, 384, 395, 691 and all other divided highways and secondary roads in accordance with CTDOT's Vegetation Management Guidelines.

CTDOT uses herbicides to safely and effectively control the encroachment of vegetation along and under guiderails, signs, and barriers within the state-owned right of way. Guiderail and barrier systems along divided highways and ramps will be treated beginning in the central region of the state, followed by the southern region, the western region, and lastly the eastern region.

The guiderail and other barrier systems along secondary state roads will be treated beginning in the central region, southern region, western region, and lastly the eastern region. From August 15 through November 2026, a program of spot spraying will be in place to manage specific locations populated by invasive plants / trees.

CTDOT will also be utilizing Foamstream and AquaPro application units in specific areas such as paved islands and barrier systems in vicinity to water courses. Both units apply high temperature steam to burn the upper and lower plant parts. The Foamstream unit uses non-herbicidal foam consisting of coconut oil, wheat, grapeseed oil, and potatoes. The foam functions as a thermal blanket, heating weeds long enough to eradicate them.

The impacts to travel will be minimal as this operation utilizes a moving traffic pattern. All products utilized by CTDOT are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Extra precautions are implemented where guiderail systems are in proximity to sensitive areas such as wetlands and watersheds.