GONZALES — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is officially responsible for mowing and roadside vegetation management along all state-maintained highways in Ascension Parish, the parish said Wednesday.

DOTD reports that the mowing contracts are in the final stages and routine mowing will begin once they are finalized. Urgent vegetation issues or safety hazards will be addressed outside of the regular cycle, according to DOTD.  

DOTD urges residents to contact the Ascension Parish Maintenance Unit directly at (225) 675-5315 for any concerns regarding vegetation or state highway maintenance. 

"Directing residents to the local DOTD unit eliminates unnecessary steps and helps ensure state highway concerns are addressed as efficiently as possible," Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment said in a statement.