From Valkyrie Warriors to Graffiti Busting: WSDOT’s Innovative Approach to Combat Persistent Roadside Vandalism
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently in the midst of a pilot program aimed at combating graffiti on Interstate 5 (I-5). Inspired by the iconic film “Apocalypse Now,” my dreams often feature the sound of “Flight of the Valkyries” as I imagine drones descending upon I-5 with their paint nozzles ready to attack.
In 2023, WSDOT spent $815,000 on graffiti removal, with workers dedicating over 10,000 hours to paint over 700,000 square feet of graffiti. Despite these efforts, new graffiti would sometimes appear just days or hours after an area was cleaned. This highlights the need for innovative solutions to combat this persistent problem.
One such solution is a graffiti removal drone built from an Aquiline Endure model. The drone uses a spray nozzle connected to a paint supply on the ground and can be positioned anywhere the tethered hose can reach. This allows for quick removal of graffiti on tall structures like retaining walls, bridges, and overpasses. While the first drone failed during initial testing, the newest drone is now operational and being tested in Olympia and Tacoma under licensed drone operators in the Pierce County regional maintenance division.
In addition to this pilot program, House Bill 1989 was passed by the Washington legislature in 2024. The bill provided WSDOT with $1 million to research traffic camera technology for monitoring graffiti removal. A report on the findings of this program will be submitted to the legislature in December for further evaluation before potentially being implemented long term.
Overall, WSDOT’s pilot program and efforts towards combatting graffiti are commendable and showcase their commitment towards maintaining safe and aesthetically pleasing roadways for drivers and pedestrians alike.
