Roswell Resolves to Save Trees along GA 400

At the July 19, 2004 City Council meeting, the City of Roswell Mayor and Council unanimously approved a resolution to save trees along State Route 400. This resolution is in response to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Interstate/Limited Access Rehabilitation and Safety Program which includes cutting of all trees and shrubs within a 32-foot “clear zone” along GA 400 from I-285 through Forsyth County. This clearing includes areas behind existing guardrails.

The City of Roswell is encouraging GDOT to consider adopting an alternative plan that would protect public safety as well as save the natural tree buffer along GA 400. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that 72 percent of fixed object fatalities are caused by striking objects other than trees. The top four of the 18 objects most likely to be struck in single-vehicle roadside hazard crashes involving rollovers are embankments, ditches, culverts, and guardrails. Trees were 17th out of the 18 objects.

More sufficient analysis should be conducted to determine the appropriate area for clear zones along GA 400. The American Association of State Highway Transportation Official’s (AASHTO) standard for dealing with clear zones gives specific ranges that vary by road segment based on road design speeds, curvature of roads and the terrain alongside pavement. AASHTO states “simply developing a ‘one size fits all’ guideline does not address the important issues of all stakeholders”.

Trees along highways have environmental and aesthetic value. For just the east side of GA 400, the Roswell Department of Transportation estimates that 3000 trees will be cut within the city limits of Roswell, most entirely behind guardrails. It has been determined that alternative measures, such as the construction of guardrails, could be a consideration in the protection of motorists without destroying the natural tree buffer.

Roswell Councilman Kent Igleheart states, “The real issue is, what are the reasonable safety measures that can be taken to protect people? Cutting down trees behind guardrails and along areas with no proven or likely hazards is just wasting our tax dollars.”

The cost of this portion of the GDOT program is $936,000.

Please note: We have no further information about this organization or event. This page was added by OurLittleNet staff who have no other details. Please use the contact information above to find out more. If you wish to take over this page just ask.