Maintenance Monday: 'Daylighting' helps keep roads safe for all

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​Have you ever heard the term "daylighting?" It's not something that usually comes to mind when thinking about roadwork and construction. However, it plays an important role in the work that takes place on rural roads.

penndot crews trim trees in a process called daylighting

PHOTO/MICHAEL S. TALUTO

Daylighting is the process of cutting back trees so the road is exposed to more light. When a road is too shaded by trees, this can be difficult and even unsafe for road workers, drivers, and pedestrians.

First, more sun on the road aids in keeping the road dry. When a road is wet from rain or melted snow, the risk of a car sliding off the road and causing a crash is heightened. This poses a danger to drivers, cyclists, joggers, and anyone on or near the road.

Daylighting also is useful in the winter when excess light can help melt snow on roads.

Finally, daylighting helps keep workers safe by providing better overall lighting. If a road has better lighting, this can help drivers see workers on the road more easily when driving through a work zone.

Daylighting is just one aspect of tree trimming and PennDOT's overall vegetation management efforts (PDF), which also include mowing and pesticide spraying. To learn more about all PennDOT's maintenance activities, view our series of Maintenance First cards.

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Did you know PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and roughly 25,000 bridges? We oversee programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports and waterways, in addition to administering the state's more than 11 million vehicle registrations and 8.8 million driver's licenses.

So, how do we do what we do? And how can we help you travel in Pennsylvania — whether it be for business or leisure — in safe and enjoyable manner? Read PennDOT Way to learn more about the department, what we do, and how and why we do it.​

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