Working with families and the Governors office, ADOT has developed a new policy for roadside memorials along state highways.
“It’s not so much a paperwork permit, its just being permitted to do it," said ADOT spokesperson Steve Elliott.
"We want to make sure and know who is associated with that permit honoring someone who’s been killed alongside a highway so we can be in touch in case it needs to be moved or for some reason, out of compliance.”
ADOT maintains the policy is intended to improve safety and reduce any hazards for both drivers and visitors.
Elliot explained that items in the right of way can be distracting for drivers. The materials used for the memorials, such as concrete or steel, can also be a danger for those on the road.
The mere act of placing the memorials on the side of the road brings inherent risks as well.
If you need to submit a roadside memorial request, contact the ADOT maintenance and engineering district closet to you.
In the cases where a memorial is deemed hazardous or needs to be removed, Elliot said the policy will help ADOT know who to contact.
And for existing memorials, they can continue to stay up as long as they meet ADOT safety standards covering size and materials. If they don’t, those who place them can work with ADOT to replace the memorial.
For more information, visit the ADOT website.