Caltrans To Remove 11 Trees From Highway 29 Elm Tree Tunnel

ST. HELENA, CA — Caltrans is preparing to perform tree maintenance later this month on state Highway 29 just north of St. Helena within the Elm Tree Tunnel, the city of St. Helena advised.

Motorists should expect delays during the work which is scheduled to take place 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. over four consecutive days, Tuesday, Feb. 22, through Friday, Feb. 25.

Crews will perform regular tree maintenance, including the removal of 11 elm trees that are infected with tree rot and Dutch Elm Disease and have become a safety concern, said Clayton Church, operations manager for the city of St. Helena.

Drivers are asked to be aware of all construction signage. For worker and public safety, crews will have one-way traffic control in place. Flaggers will direct motorists during the lane closures.

"Motorists are advised to expect delays and exercise caution while driving in this area," Church said. "All work is weather and conditions permitting. Caltrans will assist with traffic control for the duration of the work."