How to Adopt a Highway in Texas

If you’ve ever driven past a road sign that reads “This Highway Adopted By [Group Name],” you’ve seen the result of Texas’s Adopt-a-Highway program. This initiative, managed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), allows individuals, families, community groups, and businesses to take an active role in keeping Texas roadsides clean and beautiful.

Whether you want to give back to your community, promote your organization, or honor someone special, adopting a highway in Texas is a rewarding way to make a difference.

WHAT IS THE TEXAS ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY PROGRAM?

The Adopt-a-Highway program began in Texas in 1985 and has since spread nationwide. Participants agree to pick up litter along a designated stretch of roadway, usually two miles long, several times a year.

In return, TxDOT provides:

• Safety training
• Litter pick-up equipment
• Trash bags
• Disposal services
• A roadside sign recognizing your group or name

WHO CAN ADOPT A HIGHWAY IN TEXAS?

The program is open to:

• Individuals
• Families
• Nonprofit organizations
• Civic and community groups
• Churches and schools
• Businesses and corporate sponsors

You must be at least 15 years old to participate in roadside cleanups, and all participants must follow TxDOT’s safety guidelines.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO ADOPT A HIGHWAY IN TEXAS

1. Choose a Location

Contact your local TxDOT district office to find available highway segments. You can request a location near your home, business, or in an area meaningful to you.

2. Submit an Application

Fill out the Adopt-a-Highway application form provided by TxDOT. This includes:

• Your contact information
• Preferred highway segment
• Group or organization name (if applicable)
• Agreement to follow safety protocols

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3. Sign the Agreement

You’ll sign a two-year agreement with TxDOT, committing to clean your designated segment at least four times per year.

4. Attend Safety Training

Before your first cleanup, TxDOT will provide safety training on:

• Proper use of safety vests and gloves
• Traffic awareness
• Litter collection techniques
• Handling hazardous materials

5. Start Cleanup

On scheduled cleanup days, your group will collect trash along your segment. TxDOT will pick up filled bags afterward.

6. Receive Recognition

TxDOT will install a roadside sign with your name or group name at the start of your segment, recognizing your contribution.

COST OF ADOPTING A HIGHWAY IN TEXAS

Participation in the Adopt-a-Highway program is free. TxDOT covers:

• Safety vests
• Trash bags
• Litter pickup and disposal
• Roadside signage

Your only investment is your time and effort to help keep Texas roads clean.

WHY ADOPT A HIGHWAY?

• Community Impact – Help reduce litter and protect wildlife.
• Recognition – Publicly display your name or organization on a roadside sign.
• Team Building – Great for schools, businesses, and volunteer groups.
• Environmental Responsibility – Promote a cleaner, greener Texas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the commitment?
The standard agreement is for two years, with cleanups at least four times annually.

Can businesses participate?
Yes. Businesses can adopt a highway in their name, making it a unique community outreach opportunity.

Can I dedicate my segment to someone?
Yes. Many participants adopt in honor or memory of a loved one, and the dedication can appear on the sign.

What if my group can’t clean the highway ourselves?
TxDOT also offers sponsorship programs, where a contractor does the cleanup for you in exchange for a sponsorship fee.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Adopt-a-Highway program is a unique way to contribute to your community while receiving public recognition for your efforts. With no cost to join and full support from TxDOT, adopting a highway in Texas is both simple and impactful.