Hazard trees on I-90 cut down
Photo courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department The Idaho Transportation Department has started a hazardous tree removal project on the east side of Fourth of July Pass.
COEUR d'ALENE — The roadside along Interstate 90 just east of Fourth of July Pass is losing trees but gaining safety.
The Idaho Transportation Department is removing all trees within the first 100 feet of the pavement that the agency considers to be highway hazards.
They’re being removed in a 2-mile stretch from mileposts 34 to 36. Trees on the eastbound side are being removed first, followed by those on the westbound side.
"It's important to do this work when we can because trees can fall on the road or act as obstacles," said Jerry Wilson, ITD operations manager. "We've found a way to let experts remove these trees at no extra cost to the taxpayers while enhancing their safety."
The project is expected to last about a month.
"The average driver probably doesn't consider trees to be hazardous, but they can be when they fall on the road, create shade in the winter, shield wildlife or act as fuel during the fire season," said Megan Sausser, ITD spokeswoman.
Drivers might encounter single-lane or possibly two-lane closures of the freeway. Full closures will be less than 10 minutes and may be necessary when logging tall or dead trees near the interstate.
Proceeds from the harvest will cover the cost of the tree removal, Sausser said.
"The only cost to ITD is the labor to remove and reinstall fencing in the work area," she said. "The marketable timber is being sold to Idaho Forest Group, which owns the Chilco mill."
Layton Logging and Excavating in Cataldo is the contractor for the project.
Beyond the 100-foot clear zone, trees another 100 feet up the slope will be thinned, Sausser said.
"Areas that are disturbed will be reseeded with native grasses to prevent any erosion," Sausser said.
Several varieties of trees, including white and ponderosa pine, grand fir, hemlock, cedar and douglas fir will be removed.
She said ITD, which is partnering with the Idaho Department of Lands on the tree removal contract, routinely establishes clear zones on highway shoulders for driver safety.
"This is a unique partnership with IDL, and we're thankful for their support," Sausser said.
Last year ITD removed about 400 trees on I-90 at milepost 32.