Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Clintonville residents concerned about the trees that will be removed as part of the state Highway 22 reconstruction project got some good news this month.
In a report to the Common Council on Dec. 10, City Administrator Lisa Kuss said the state will pay for replacing many of the trees being removed.
“The state historical society has said a large portion of the northern end of the street is a historical district, which means they will replace the trees,” Kuss said.
According to Kuss, about 89 trees will be removed, and the state will pay for more than 60 new ones.
The city had expected to pay for the cost of replanting the trees and has funds set aside for replanting trees not covered by the state, Kuss said.
Kuss said the contractor that is selected to replace the trees also will provide care for them for two years. Trees that are not flourishing by then will be replaced.
Each of the property owners who loses trees will be reimbursed by the state, said Kuss, who suggested that the property owner then use that money for trees and landscaping on the property.
The reconstruction project, scheduled to begin in 2015 and estimated to cost up to $5 million, will be done in two phases. The trees in both portions of the project will be removed at the same time.
The DOT plans to reconstruct state Highway 22, Main Street in Clintonville, from 10th Street to state Highway 156. The first phase, which includes replacing the Pigeon River bridge and reconstructing the roadway between 10th Street and 13th Street, is scheduled for 2015.
During the reconstruction, traffic from the south will be detoured onto Seventh Street, to Lyons Street, past Seagrave on 12th Street, to SSGT Warren Hansen Drive and onto state Highway 156.
There may be some adjustments needed to the detour route to accommodate truck traffic, Kuss said.
The section of roadway between 13th Street and Green Tree Road is scheduled for construction in 2017, but may occur as early as 2016 if federal funds become available.