One of the specifications included in late summer completion of the Cold River Road relocation project, thanks to engineer Mark Youngstrom, required the planting of trees where the original Cold River Road was. Otter Creek Engineering prepared the road project plan, M&M Construction did the road relocation, and Youngstrom with Tree Warden Gary Salmon got the trees planted.
Once the old road was removed and the site prepared, 10 trees were planted on Oct. 21.
These four red maples, four shad bush, and two white pine will add some color in all seasons, help hold the soil in place (the very reason the road had to be moved), give some green vertical visual structure to the open landscape, and as a bonus help control traffic speed.
Unlike the original Cold River location, the new Cold River Road has a curve in it which by nature should encourage drivers to slow down in this quarter mile section.
To further insure that the new road is “safe” 17 bright yellow/black traffic signs, two 30 MPH signs, and 30 smaller white reflectors have been erected to encourage sensible driving. However, the view as a driver enters the curve is unobstructed, allowing one to see any oncoming traffic approaching and largely maintain speed.
These two rows of trees, once established, will help block that view during the growing and speeding seasons and perhaps place vehicle traffic at the stated speed limit.
