Tree clearing along Zeeb Road in Webster Township is part of preparation for an upcoming culvert replacement project, according to the Washtenaw County Road Commission.
The forestry work began March 23 on Zeeb Road between Gregory and North Territorial roads. While the road is not closed, drivers may see delays due to intermittent lane restrictions, according to a road work advisory issued by the commission.
Assistant Superintendent Jared Powers said the work is being done so crews have enough open space to safely remove the old culvert, install a new one and make sure the surrounding drainage area functions properly.
“The goal for the forestry work is simple, to prepare a clear area free of obstruction,” Powers said in an email to The Sun Times News.
Powers said the scope of the clearing is based on the size of the culvert replacement and follows both an engineered plan and permitting requirements through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
A culvert is a structure that allows water to pass under a road. Powers said the existing culvert along Zeeb Road is failing and needs to be replaced.
The road commission said the forestry work is expected to take about five days, though that timeline could change depending on weather. During the actual culvert replacement, Powers said, the road will need to close for a short time. The road commission said advance notice will be shared through its communications channels, including its weekly road work schedule.
All work within the road right-of-way is being handled either by road commission crews or a contractor, Powers said.
Featured image: Tree clearing is visible along Zeeb Road, where crews are preparing for an upcoming culvert replacement project. Photo by Heather Finch
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