UPDATE From Road Commission: The tree trimming and removal work will be done next week. The culvert replacement will take place this July/August.


Tree trimming work will extend into the summer on some roads in Northfield Township despite protests by residents.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission is performing tree trimming and removal work for safety purposes along North Territorial Road in Northfield and Salem Townships and Mast Road in Webster Township. Lane restrictions are being imposed and the project got underway in February. The Road Commission advises that North Territorial Road from Spencer Road to Gotfredson Road will have on-going maintenance until August for culvert repairs and tree trimming. The road will be under flag control during the operation. While motorists can travel through the construction area, delays are likely and alternate routes are being suggested.

The project has resulted in an outcry from residents who are upset or angered by the tree removal, as some cut down were believed to be hundreds of years old. A Facebook group titled “Save the Dexter Trees” was started and surpassed 300 members. The Road Commission says it has heard from some residents in favor of the work but many others who are opposed to the removal of trees- noting they take the concerns seriously. Officials say they believe both are good projects to make the roadways safer but they understand residents have some real concerns about the way they were carried out. As a result, the Road Commission recently announced it has decided to step back from a similar project scheduled next year and returned grant funds for it. That work was to take place on North Territorial Road between Huron River Drive and Spencer Road.

The complete advisory from the Road Commission can be viewed in the attachment. FB photo. (JM)