Costly Graffiti Triples In 5 Years: TDOT

NASHVILLE, TN -- The number of graffiti clean-up jobs have tripled in the last five years, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Graffiti removal costs between $350 and $1,000 and if it's a road sign that's tagged, the process is time-consuming, because the removal gel can also lift the silk-screening off the sign itself. Work crews can spend as long as six hours on a simple clean-up job.

TDOT posted a video on its Facebook page to raise awareness and remind people that tagging is a crime punishable by jail time and a fine.

The department is offering a reward up to $250 for reports of interstate signs being tagged.

Anyone who wants to report graffiti on a Tennessee interstate can e-mail TDOT.Comments@tn.gov. People in the Nashville area can report maintenance issues by calling 615-350-4400. Witnesses may also call a local law enforcement agency.

Photo by J.R. Lind, Patch staff