T-DOT tree-clearing through the Cookeville corridor of Interstate 40 getting the roadway ready for expansion?
T-DOT officials said no.
Region Two Communications Officer Rae Anne Bradley said trees were cleared around the exit and entrance ramps at exit 288 due to sight distance issues.
“We were receiving reports and experiencing some sight distance issues there,” Bradley said. “So you know folks obviously, need to be able to see what traffic is doing on the interstate in order to merge onto or off of the interstate.”
Bradley said trees have been trimmed back at mile marker 286 to prevent trees from falling onto the interstate. Bradley said T-DOT will continue tree clearing along I-40, especially towards the Baxter and Crossville exits.
“We also have some additional tree-clearing efforts planned further west on I-40 out towards Baxter and we have some additional also planned on I-40 near Crossville,” Bradley said. “These are to address sight distance issues and safety concerns.”
Bradley said T-DOT has experts who monitor areas to determine what kind of work needs to be done in regard to clearing trees along I-40.
“We have several of our maintenance folks who patrol these areas regularly,” Bradley said. “Monitoring these locations so you know, we act based on their observations as well because they are the technical experts here.”
Bradley said T-DOT does work like clearing and trimming trees along roads to keep passengers safe when traveling.
