Caltrans removes trees on Hwy 101 ahead of strong gusty winds this Friday

Drivers will see Caltrans removing several Eucalyptus trees up and down the Central Coast ahead of a wind storm this Friday. With soaking Winter rain saturating trees, Caltrans is taking precautionary measures to keep the public safe.

They monitored older, larger trees that have the potential to cause severe damage, removing those trees to prevent any road closures, destruction of property and to ensure public safety.

The late season storm system will swing by Friday with the potential for strong winds, expected to be strongest in the mountains where gusty winds will reach over 40 miles an hour in Coastal cities.

The No. 2 right hand lane of Northbound US Highway 101 was closed just south of Mallory Canyon Road (south of Crazy Horse Rd.) near Prunedale for most of today.

According to Caltrans, the removal of Eucalyptus trees in this corridor from recent storms will ensure the safety of everyone. The roadwork is being done by the Salinas Area Maintenance crew.

Monterey County, residents can call the District 5 toll free number at 1-831-372-0862 or can visit their website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/paffairs/release.htm#mon