Tree clearing improves safety through U.S. 20 Island Park corridor

The Idaho Transportation Department says a a plan to clear trees on each side of a seven-mile stretch of US 20 in Island Park has reduced crashes there by 31 percent.

Beginning in 2010, crews removed trees to reduce ice buildup caused by shade on the road. The action also eliminated the potential for trees to fall into the road and exposed wildlife contemplating a dash onto the highway.

In a 43-month period before and after tree removal, ITD said crashes with other vehicles fell from nine to six. Crashes with trees or embankments fell from 21 to nine and crashes involving wildlife dropped from nine to five.

The tree removal concentrated on an an area between milepost 369 and 376.

Crews cleared trees back 100 feet from the center of the roadway on each side of the state right-of-way. ITD found it not only reduced slick surfaces, but allowed motorists to see wildlife well ahead of possible crossings.