DETROIT (AP) - The Michigan Department of Transportation has removed dozens of trees in anticipation of two upcoming projects on Interstates 75 and 275.
Trees were cleared along I-275 to allow equipment access as crews start repairing 13 miles of roadway in mid-April. The same was done along I-75 for the next phase of the highway’s expansion and bridge construction.
“We believe we are done with the tree cutting,” said Diane Cross, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Transportation. “We will be replacing more trees back than what we cut down.”
But the department has received numerous complaints from motorists who are unhappy about the loss of foliage, she told The Detroit News (https://detne.ws/1M5ScYU ).
“You have to have room to bring the equipment in,” Cross said. “And, unfortunately, that does require removal of the trees.”
Some residents are concerned that the department is devastating the landscaping along the highways, said Oakland Conservation District chairman Patrick Costello.
However, the state reassured some of the surrounding communities that the trees will be replanted after construction has wrapped up, which Costello believes is worth the compromise.
“We need to widen that freeway (I-75) and everyone agrees with that,” Costello said. “Something’s gotta give. You either widen and fix freeways or you enjoy the landscaping.”
Phase one of the long-term I-75 project will begin this summer, perhaps as early as June, Cross said. More than three miles will be reconstructed, five bridges will be replaced and an interchange will be reconfigured.
The I-275 project is expected to start in mid-April. The work will include repairs to 13 miles of concrete and shoulders, eastbound and westbound I-696 pavement fixes, drainage improvements, landscaping work and guardrail replacement.
The department still needs to select contractors for both projects, Cross said.
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Information from: The Detroit News, https://detnews.com/
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