Trees fall victim to Fortify road project

In order to ease the way for the Fortify project to repave Interstate 40, crews have had to cut many of the trees that once lined the road.

Posted 11:00 p.m. Jun 3, 2014 — Updated 11:16 p.m. Jun 3, 2014

RALEIGH, N.C. — In the southeast Raleigh Fortify work zone, the view to downtown is unusually clear. In order to ease the way for the Interstate 40 repaving project, crews had to cut many of the trees that once lined the road.

The contrast is especially stark near the Hammond Road exit.

"We've had to cut some trees in selected areas throughout the project," said Department of Transportation engineer Chad Hinnant.

The trees had to go to make room for temporary ramps at the interchange.

"We're having to do some minor changes to shift people around so we can maintain the three lanes of traffic," he said.

Crews also have cut down trees in other spots as they widen bridges along I-40 in advance of next year's work.

"There are some other areas where we may have to remove some trees in the upcoming phases to upgrade the drainage system that we have," Hinnant added.

After the project is complete, estimated to be 2016, the state has plans to replant many of the trees that were removed, restoring the greenery that is the pride of the City of Oaks.

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