Date:
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Contact:
Don Clotfelter, Maintenance Manager, 360-357-2614
Lisa Murdock, Communications Manager, 360-790-1383
TUMWATER – Crews next week will take down trees along a half-mile stretch of I-5 to avoid a repeat of what happened last winter, when windstorms sent several trees crashing onto the freeway, blocking lanes and stranding motorists on multiple occasions.
The plan is to remove 15 truckloads of trees that were determined to be at risk of falling onto the roadway during forceful windstorms.
The tree-removal operation is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Nov. 26-29, and requires closing the right southbound shoulder in the Maytown area.
“Keeping traffic moving and drivers safe are two of our top priorities,” said Maintenance Manager Don Clotfelter. “We also know that many people in the community appreciate the trees and we will work to leave as many trees and shrubs as possible.”
Careful consideration was taken to determine which trees need to go. WSDOT contracted with a forester, who determined that recent logging and development activity west of the freeway left the once-protected trees fully exposed to west winds that likely would cause more trees to fall.
“The area won’t be clear-cut but it will be a noticeable change,” said Clotfelter. However, clearing some of the older trees also has the positive effect of allowing new trees to develop and acclimate to the open exposure of the west. This spring, WSDOT crews will return to place native plants and other vegetation that can thrive in the environment without posing dangers to drivers.
WSDOT will continue to evaluate along I-5 for other potentially hazardous trees, as timber management along state highways is a maintenance activity.
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