Danville Utilities on Tuesday will top four large Bradford pear trees in the center median of Riverside Drive between Westover Drive and Riverview Drive to allow for restoration of streetlight service in that area.
The trees will be removed completely at a later date by the Public Works Department and replaced with a more appropriate height tree in the fall.
“The trees branches had grown into the lines, and they pulled down the streetlight circuit when we had the high winds earlier this month,” Utilities Department Director Jason Grey said Friday. “Topping the trees to the level we need to restore service and then later removing and replacing them will be safest and most attractive option.”
Public Works Department Director Rick Drazenovich said the trees were planted about 25 years ago and are reaching the end of their life span.
“We will look at various options to determine what tree would be best for replacing these Bradford pears,” Drazenovich said. “In addition to the type of tree, we will look at landscaping designs that will enhance the appearance of the median.”
The inside eastbound and westbound lanes will be closed during the pruning. Motorists are advised to slow down and proceed with caution or consider alternate routes.
Danville Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunications services in Danville and distributes electricity to approximately 42,000 customer locations in a 500-square-mile service territory covering Danville, the southern third of Pittsylvania County, and small portions of Henry and Halifax counties.