223Mowing

221.03.3 Bituminous Paved Ditches . Bituminous paved ditches shall be constructed

using an asphalt mixture. The mixture shall meet job-mix requirements for the particular mixture used except the percent of asphalt cement designated in the job-mix formula may be increased by the Engineer by no more than two percent. The mixture shall be spread, raked, finished, and compacted by hand tools or other satisfactory methods while at the proper te mperature to form a smooth, stable, and impermeable lining. 221.03.4--Backfilling and Cleaning Up . After the concrete has set sufficiently or after the asphalt has been compacted to the required shape and dimensions, the forms shall be removed and the spaces around the paved d itch shall be backf illed with approved material and thoroughly compacted without damage to the paved ditch. The adjacent ditch slopes shall be neatly trimmed to the required section, and all surplus material shall be disposed of as directed.

221.04 Method of Measurement . Concrete paved ditch will be measured in cubic

yards. Bituminous paved ditch will be measured by th e ton of asphalt material actually placed. No measurement for separate payment will be made for any additional asphalt cement required in the mix. Excavation required for trenchin g and fine grading will not be measured for separate payment. Other required excavation will be measured for payment under the applicable excavation items.

221.05 Basis of Payment . Concrete paved ditch will be paid for at the contract unit

price per cubic yard and shall be full compensation for completing the work. Bituminous paved ditches will be paid for at the contract unit price per ton and shall be full compensation for completing the work. Payment will be made under: 221-A: Concrete Paved Ditch - per cubic yard 221-B: Bituminous Paved Ditch - per ton SECTION 223 - MOWING

223.01 Description. When the contract includes a pay item for mowing and when the

Engineer determines that mowing is necessary, the Contractor shall perform litter removal and mowing of noxious vegetation or excess growth as directed by the Engineer in accordance with the provisions contained herein. Mowing shall also be required, when necessary, for the safe and convenient passage of traffic, as required in Subsection 104.04, Maintenance of Traffic. The import ance of public safety and workplace safety cannot be overemphasized. Special attention is made to Subsections 107.06, 107.07 and

107.10 of the Standard Specifications.

Prior to mowing, the Contractor shall pick up and properly dispose of all trash and debris within the area to be mowed and along any ad jacent roadway shoulders. Trash and debris picked up and piled or bagged on the roadside must be removed from the right-of-way by the close of the work day. Piles or bags will not be allowed to remain on the roadside overnight. All trash and debris is defined as all trash, debris, litter, junk, rubbish, paper, cardboard, glass, cans, styrofoam cups, discarded items, garbage, old tires, treads, etc. The Contractor will not be required to pick up such items as cigarette butts, tiny chips of grass or other small items not readily visible to the traveling public. The Engineer will advise the Contractor when mowing will be needed. The Engineer has the right to eliminate completely or partially any mowing on the project. The Engineer will advise the Contractor of the area to be mowed and the time to begin the mowing operations. The Engineer may delay mowing of lespedezas or crimson clover until after these plants have gone to seed. Mowing may be delayed to retain and promote desirable wildflower growth. Mowing will be to a height of not more than six (6) inches and will include trimming adjacent to culvert ends, guard rail, sign posts or other appurtenances. Trimming adjacent to objects inaccessible by mower shall be performed by hand mowers, weed- eaters, sling blades, or any acceptable means n ecessary to complete the work. Care shall be taken not to damage trees, plants, shrubs, delineators or other fixtures that are part of the facility. Any damages by the Contractor’s operations to signs, delineators, other traffic control devices or other appurtenan ces shall be corrected immediately at no additional cost to the State. The quantity of mowing will be affected by actual conditions that occur during construction and may be eliminated entir ely at the direction of the Engineer.

223.02 Blank.

223.03 Construction Requirements.

223.03.1 General. The Contractor shall perform the work throughout the entire project

on those areas directed by the Engineer. Th e Contractor shall take full advantage of weather and soil conditions, and no attempt shall be made to mow while the areas are deemed to be wet enough to cause damage to the soil or vegetation. Care shall be taken to use methods and mowers that will pr ovide even, uniform mowed areas, and not damage adjacent vegetation and structures. Excessive clippings of sufficient magnitude to smother or retard grass growth shall be removed to allow growth of existing or new grass. The Contractor shall begin mowing operations within two weeks after receipt of the Engineer's letter to begin mowing. If the Contractor fails to begin the work within that time period the Engineer shall notify the Contractor in writing that the work is not being prosecuted properly, and therefore, future progress payments may be withheld in accordance with Subsectio n 105.01 of the Standard Specifications.

223.03.2 Equipment. Equipment used for mowing operations shall be of sufficient

size, type and condition to perform the work satisfactorily. Mowers may be rotary, flail, sickle or combination thereof as necessary to efficiently accomplish the work. Rotary mowers shall be equipped with safety chains or other devices to prevent flying stones, rocks, cans, etc. from striking persons or property. Change or adjustment of the equipment or operator may be required if at any time during the mowing operation, the Engineer determines that the equipment, or operators of the equipment, are not performing satisfactorily. When required for the Contractor’s mowing operations, appropriate traffic control devices shall be installed in accordance with the MUTCD.

223.04 Method of Measurement. Mowing will be measured by the acre. Litter

removal and any required traffic control devices will not be measured for separate payment, but will be included in the fixed contract price for mowing.

223.05 Basis of Payment. When ordered by the Engineer, mowing will be paid for at

the fixed contract unit price per acre indicated in the bid schedule, which price shall be full compensation for removing and disposing of litter, all equipment, tools, labor, traffic control devices and incidentals n ecessary to complete the work. Payment will be made under: 223-A: Mowing - per acre SECTION 224 - SOIL REINFORCING MAT

224.01 Description. This work consists of furnishing, placing and maintaining a soil

reinforcing mat on seeded or other designated areas in accordance w ith the requirements of the plans and these specifications.

224.02 Materials.

224.02.1 Preformed Permanent Mat. The soil reinforcing mat must be one from the

Department's current APL. The Contractor will be permitted to furnis h and install a multi-width mat with seams securely bonded by welding, stitching or other methods meeting the approval of the Engineer.

224.02.2 Stakes. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer of the soil reinforcing

mat, stakes used to secure the mat shall be either: