News Flash

Tree Removal and Mowing Easements Project - 2023 - Project Update and Two-Week Look Ahead

February 26, 2023

The City appreciates your ongoing patience with tree removal and easement mowing work to maintain access to the utility infrastructure associated with this project. Additional information regarding this project can be found at: https://www.durhamnc.gov/5031/Tree-Removal-and-Mowing-Easements---2023

The Department of Water Management's contractor, NGE Services, Inc., will begin work on the Tree Removal and Mowing Easements Project beginning March 1, 2023. The contractor will reach out to property owners prior to work commencing on those properties. Click here for a map of the work areas for March 1-15.

Planned Work Beginning March 1

• Easement along US 15-501 Bypass between W. Cornwallis Road and Cameron Boulevard (Pages 1 & 2 on map)
• Easement behind and around Alumni Avenue (Page 3 on map)
• Easements behind and around Alumni Avenue and Graduate Court (Page 4 on map)
• Easements to the north of Alumni Avenue (Page 5 on map)
• Easements north of Alumni Avenue running to the easement south of Scholastic Circle (Page 6 on map)

Work is weather dependent and will be conducted Monday through Friday between 7am and 5pm.

BACKGROUND

The Department of Water Management is responsible for infrastructure operation, maintenance, evaluation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the water distribution system and wastewater collection system throughout the City of Durham. As part of the permit requirements, the City shall have access to easements at all times. Within this system, there are utility easements and City and NCDOT right-of-way (ROW) areas with overgrown vegetation and trees which make access to City utilities difficult.

It is necessary for tree removal, mowing and bush hogging in the utility easements and City and NCDOT ROW to access City water and sewer infrastructure. While City maintenance crews have the ability to remove some of the trees and vegetation in easements and ROW, some trees are located along steep embankments or wetlands and they require specialized equipment DWM does not possess. Specialized equipment is also required to remove some trees that are located in high hazard situations, i.e., where falling trees may strike a roadway, manmade structures, other utilities or private property.

The amount of easements/ROWs in this project is approximately forty-five (45) miles that are between 15 and 40 feet wide. The contract will have a duration of two (2) years.