Q: What is going on in the median on Interstate 16 near Metter? The trees are being cleared for several miles.
—Garan Morris, Marietta
A: A two-year safety enhancement project began in February along portions of I-16, starting at the Candler/Emanuel county line and continuing into Chatham County at Pooler Parkway, a Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman told Q&A on the News via email.
GDOT, in collaboration with the Georgia Forestry Commission, said it is implementing an environmentally sensitive program to remove dense tree and bush overgrowth on state rights of way. The scope includes 465 acres of vegetation management within I-16 medians and at interchanges. Ten sites within the I-16 median are involved.
The project is reducing trees and bushes within rights of way to safeguard motorists and provide room for vehicle recovery if someone leaves the roadway, according to GDOT. It also is ensuring the visibility of signs and removing overhanging trees and/or branches that may fall onto the interstate during inclement weather.
This project involves three phases: tree removal, stump grinding and planting pollinator gardens and grasses to stabilize the soil.
Five of the 10 sites have been or are in phase 1, which is tree harvesting, including the area around Metter in Candler County. Three of the 10 sites are moving into phase 2, which is debris removal and stump grinding. Phase 3 will begin later this summer, according to GDOT. Pollinator plant species will be planted in designated areas, with Bermuda grass planted in all other areas.
Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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