After returning from a recent trip, Hayden resident Constance Walters was disheartened to see that many trees along Interstate 90 had been cut down and removed. 

Walters reached out to The Press on Sunday, expressing sadness over the loss. 

“Until last week, driving into town was stunning, speaking volumes about the beauty that the city embraced,” Walters said. 

Idaho Transportation Department spokesperson Heather McDaniel said the tree removal has been immediately noticeable to anyone driving I-90 west of Coeur d’Alene and has elicited strong responses from the community. 

All of the trees within ITD’s existing right of way, including the median and shoulders, are being removed as part of preparing for the interstate expansion.   

Some trees will be preserved and avoid being felled around the Huetter rest area.

There are two main reasons for the removal, according to McDaniel.

ITD needs to create the space necessary to add capacity to the interstate.  

“One silver lining is that the project is being built almost entirely within ITD’s existing right of way, which means we can expand the highway with minimal impact to adjacent property owners,” McDaniel said. “Unfortunately, the tradeoff is the removal of trees in those areas that people have grown attached to over the years.” 

The second factor cited for felling the trees is safety issues. 

“Trees of this size and proximity to the highway can pose risks to drivers, especially in severe weather if they fall into the roadway,” McDaniel said.  

The trees may block sunlight from reaching the pavement, creating shady spots where patchy black ice can form in winter.  

McDaniel also noted a highway-oriented version of Murphy’s Law was part of the decision. 

“Any fixed object, whether it’s a tree, sign or light pole, tends to become a target for vehicles that lose control and leave the roadway,” McDaniel said. 

Eliminating “strike hazards” such as trees is something ITD looks out for in order reduce those risks for drivers while also saving on the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure. 

ITD is keeping the timber local by selling it to the Idaho Forest Group.    

“We know the change is difficult, but ultimately these steps are necessary to expand the interstate safely and efficiently while limiting impacts to private property,” McDaniel said. 

    All of the trees within Idaho Transportation Department’s existing right of way are being removed as part of preparing for the I-90 expansion.