Crews from Elmer’s Crane and Dozer Inc. will begin a tree removal project next week in Slabtown Neighborhood in preparation for a city project this spring to reconstruct Madison Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Tree removal will start Tuesday along Madison and Jefferson, with work expected to be completed by March 3. "In addition to preparation for construction, the removal is essential to be completed in the winter months to adhere to environmental guidelines to prevent the spread of oak wilt," according to a city release. "In 2011, the city passed a local ordinance that prohibits pruning oak trees from April through November to protect oak trees and help prevent oak wilt disease."

According to the release, the city plans to maintain its urban tree canopy by including 27 street trees in the street reconstruction project. In addition to street reconstruction, improvements to the sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer utilities are planned within the project limits of Jefferson Avenue from Fulton Street to Elmwood Avenue and Madison Street from Front Street to Wayne Street. Mobility and safety improvements are planned, including the addition of a sidewalk on the north side of Jefferson.

Crossing widths at the intersections will be reduced on Madison to encourage shorter pedestrian crossing distances. Speed tables were included on Madison to discourage excessive speeds within the long blocks. Parking will be moved to the east side only on Madison to enhance mobility where sidewalks are most accessible. Finally, the project will include green infrastructure elements such as drywells and bioswales.

"City staff worked closely with the Slabtown Neighborhood Association on input related to character design clean stormwater runoff, street width desires, and impacts to the street tree lawn," according to the release. The $4 million street reconstruction project is slated to begin in April and be completed by November. Project updates are available online here.

Photo credit: City of Traverse City