Date:  Friday, November 14, 2008

Contact:
Don Clotfelter, Maintenance Manager, 360-357-2614
Lisa Murdock, Communications Manager, 360-357-2789

OLYMPIA – Crews next week will take down trees along a stretch of US 101 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 eight 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. to3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Nov. 17-20, and requires closing the right southbound lane and shoulder of US 101 between Holiday Valley and Steamboat Island roads. A few of the trees will require a full southbound (toward Olympia) closure and motorists should expect delays.

“Keeping traffic moving and drivers safe are two of our top priorities,” said Region Maintenance Manager Don Clotfelter. “We also know that many people in the community appreciate the roadside trees and we will work to leave as many trees and shrubs as possible.”

WSDOT determined that recent logging west of the highway 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.

WSDOT will continue to evaluate along all routes for other potentially hazardous trees, as timber management along state highways is a maintenance activity.

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