In an effort to eliminate potential hazards and improve safety, tree removal work began Jan. 2 along U.S. 60, U.S. 83 and FM 2266, north and south of Canadian.

“These trees have reached the end of their natural life spans and pose a critical safety issue for the traveling public,” said Wes Kimmell, Pampa area engineer for the TxDOT Amarillo District. “Our contractor will be removing mostly dead trees and trees that are splitting or leaning toward the highway and that could block one or both lanes of traffic if they were to fall.”

A total of 65 trees will be removed, including one that has already fallen over on U.S. 83 north. J. Lee Milligan Inc. is the contractor performing the tree removal operation, which is expected to continue through Feb. 17.

During this process, traffic control operations, including flaggers, will be in place. Motorists are reminded to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones, and obey warning signs.

For more information, visit TxDOT.gov.