District 11

Friday, Feb. 1, 2008

Contact: Public Information Officer Steve Saville Phone: (619) 688-6678

Caltrans To Replace Several Sycamore Trees Along SR-163

SAN DIEGO –The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) today announced it will remove and replant about 10 California Sycamore trees along State Route 163 (SR-163) next Wednesday, Feb. 6.

The trees are located in the median of SR-163 in the Balboa Park area and will be removed due to their shallow root structure and massive size.

California Sycamores that will grow to a smaller size will be planted in the same location immediately following removal of the existing trees. Arborists say the trees will mature quickly and develop a stronger root structure than the previous trees. Trees were donated to Caltrans through a program sponsored by SDG&E.

The work should be completed before Wednesday afternoon. Caltrans will make every effort to minimize any disruption to the public, but traffic may slow as crews enter and exit the median. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution and avoid slowing to observe the work.

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