Highway 200 brush work set

SANDPOINT — Idaho Transportation Department crews will begin work May 9 on Idaho 200 to remove brush and trees from the highway right of way in a heavily wooded area.

The scheduled work will allow more sunlight and air to reach the road, improving a stretch of highway that stays slick in winter weather and is prone to trees falling in storms. It will also improve visibility, a direct safety benefit for area drivers.

The work may also help to reduce vehicle-and-wildlife conflicts, which are prevalent in this area that transitions from an urban to rural section of the county. Currently, with wooded areas close to the road, drivers may not see animals hiding in the brush in time to avoid collisions.

The work, slated from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through late June, is from Sunnyside Cutoff Road to Trout Creek Road, which is about milepost 36.5 to milepost 39. Traffic east and west in the area will be reduced to one lane and will be guided by flaggers.