Date:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Contact:
Al Gilson, Communications Manager
2714 N. Mayfair
Spokane, WA 99207
(509)324-6015
gilsona@wsdot.wa.gov
The Washington State Department of Transportation will make some changes on I-90 in downtown Spokane to enhance safety. On I-90 between Division Street and the Hamilton Interchange, the Department will remove trees that have grown too large over the years and replace them with a variety of shrubs.
Planted in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, the Ponderosa Pine and Maple trees along the shoulder have trunks that exceed four inches in diameter and create a serious impact hazard to the adjacent high-speed traffic. An errant vehicle colliding with these oversize trees could stop abruptly with a greater chance of serious injury than sideswiping the nearby retaining wall.
The trees in this section of Interstate 90 are within the designated “clear zone” area. The clear zone on this portion of I-90 based on its design and a 60 mph speed limit is 29 feet from the fog line.
“This is an important safety issue,” said Keith Metcalf, WSDOT Eastern Region Administrator. “While all of our wooden and steel sign structures are designed to break away when struck by a vehicle, these trees are not and can be very dangerous if hit.” Similar projects have taken place along Interstate 5 in the Olympia and Vancouver ares, along Interstate 705 in Tacoma, and in other locations in the state.
WSDOT landscape architects working with the City of Spokane, and the Spokane Downtown Partnership, selected several varieties of native shrubs for planting along the right-of-way. Over 600 shrubs will be placed in the shoulders on this one-mile section of freeway. Species planted will include Serviceberry, Buck Brush, Tall Oregon Grape, and Russet Buffalo Berry. The varieties were selected based on their ability to thrive in this often shaded area.
The existing trees will be removed, chipped on site, then used as mulch in the planting strip. WSDOT crews will plant the new shrubs in their place. The work should be underway within the next couple of weeks.
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