SANDWICH – State officials temporarily suspended the clearing of trees in the median of Route 6 through Sandwich after a state representative pointed out the clearing went beyond guidelines.
The tree clearing began last week and state officials said the project is for the safety of drivers and is meant to clear trees within 25 feet of the road.
State Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich) said after hearing crews clearing additional trees Monday night, he traveled to the median Tuesday to look at the work.
“I went out myself with my 25-foot tape measure to put the guideline that the Mass DOT uses to the test,” Hunt said.
Crews were supposed to be adhering to the rule of removing and trimming trees within 25 feet of the highway’s edge.
Hunt found multiple instances where trees were taken down outside of 25 feet. Because of the discrepancy, he notified state officials.
“I asked the DOT to take a look again at what they are doing to demarcate the proper lines from the roadway, and they are going to do that,” Hunt said.
A meeting will be held with highway officials, legislators and town officials to discuss the plan moving forward, Hunt said.
