Caltrans removing dead trees along Highway 68

Caltrans Tree Crew Supervisor Stuart Lamers has his work cut out for him, as removing dead trees on the Central Coast has become the new norm.

“We see them every day as we drive up and down the highway. I am always looking. The pine trees in the Monterey area and all over for that matter are dying from the drought,” said Lamers.

According to The U.S. Forest Service more than 60 million trees have died around California from 2010 to 2015. But it’s those trees along roads that are of the greatest concern for Caltrans.

“They could fall down and become a hazard. If a tree falls on a car it’s not pretty,” said Lamers.

Crews will be removing trees along westbound Highway 68 in Pacific Grove through Tuesday. Motorists can expect delays of 10-15 minutes.

“We’re using a crane contractor so we can get more done in a shorter period of time for these lane closures,” said Lamers.

Caltrans says to move over and slow down when driving next to these work areas.