CHOKEPOINTS

Landscape changed by Sound Transit tree cutting

May 21, 2019, 6:26 AM | Updated: 2:09 pm

The tree cutting along I-5 in Seattle has been underway for a few weeks, making room for a new light rail line to pass through the area.

5,000 trees being removed in Lynnwood

I walked around the construction zone last Friday. The contractor is making quick work of the trees between 130th and 145th. There are only a few left standing.

This is the first tree cutting along I-5 to make room for the Sound Transit light rail expansion to Lynnwood. Sound Transit is removing about 5,000 trees along the route. It will be replacing them with about 20,000 trees, when the project is finished. The trees are all on the east side of I-5. The biggest grove to go will be through Mountlake Terrace. This cutting will go through the fall.

Vigil held for more than 5,000 trees being removed

The loss of this first grove, which is next to the Jackson Park Golf Course, has certainly been a shock to see. I’ve been commuting on that stretch of I-5 for 15 years. You really notice the lack of trees and how far into the golf course you can see.

It is really going to change the landscape.

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Landscape changed by Sound Transit tree cutting