WA highways have a graffiti problem. The solution, Drones.

Washington State has a problem. Well, OK, Washington state has a few problems but one of them is graffiti. Specifically, we're talking graffiti on state highways, Overpasses, Pedestrian bridges, divider walls, it's an issue and for the most part it just does not look good.

Rob Carroll, Townsquare Media

Cleaning it up takes time and money, and when you're doing that cleanup on a state highway, it's also dangerous at times. So naturally, what do you do to solve the problem? In one word, drones.

According to axios.com,
‘State transportation officials are experimenting with using drones to remove graffiti along Washington's highways.’

According to a report, cleaning up graffiti on state highways is costing the Department of Transportation around $1,000,000 plus every year. So, it's expensive, it's a drain on manpower, and it's not safe.

Last year state lawmakers gave the OK to a pilot program to test the concept out and see if drones are capable of spray painting over graffiti. What they discovered is that the concept actually works.

Vincentguerault

Last month, the Department of Transportation in Washington spent about $22,000 to test the project and see if it was Practical. That test was so successful that they decided to spend an additional $38,000 in the early summer again to see how well it works.

They also discovered that using drones to cover up graffiti was faster which apparently is a detriment to taggers coming back and retagging an area. (Plus, they're fun to fly.)

This all sounds like a good idea to me, although I'm not sure that drones are going to work for “graffiti trains”.

Michael J. Rivera, Townsquare Media

So now my question is, how long do you think it's going to take before these types of drones begin to be used by house painters?

The other question, how long do you think it's going to take before the taggers start using drones?

Too late. It's already happening.

Washington state is using drones to remove graffiti - Axios Seattle
Washington State Legislature
Graffiti Abatement and Reduction Pilot Program Report - December 2024

Outstanding Graffiti Train Passes Through Wyoming

We all see the graffiti on trains that pass through Wyoming.

But have you ever paused just a moment to look at it?

A lot is garbage.

But some of this still can be considered art.

Even great art.

Other times it's just an interesting message.

Grifiti art exhibit on wheels passing through America pauses in Wyoming

Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods

Sprawling Colorado Tunnel System Plagued with Graffiti + Junk

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Head underground to check out a sprawling tunnel system in Colorado that has been plagued with graffiti, old shopping carts, and more.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde