Downtown Wilmington road closures in place for S. Third Street tree removal project

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A section of downtown Wilmington will see traffic impacts Friday morning as city crews remove a declining oak tree deemed a safety hazard, according to city officials.

Beginning around 9 a.m. Friday, the right northbound lane of South Third Street near Orange Street will be closed while crews remove the tree from the right-of-way. The 300 block of Orange Street will also be closed during the work, which is expected to be completed by about 2:30 p.m.

City officials said appropriate barricades and signage will be in place during the operation.

The city said the oak tree has deteriorated to the point that it presents a potential safety risk. While urban trees provide benefits such as shade, stormwater absorption and wildlife habitat, officials said aging trees can become unstable and pose hazards if limbs or the entire tree fail.

The decision to remove the tree was made after evaluation by the city arborist and assistant arborist, who determined the risk outweighed the tree’s benefits, according to the city.

Additional tree removals are planned in the area later this year, including six trees along the South Third Street side of a nearby church, two along Orange Street, and three in the 200 block of South Third Street. That work is expected to be completed by a contractor in late summer or early fall.

The city also said replacement trees will be planted through its annual planting program, typically conducted between late fall and early spring. Of the 12 trees slated for removal, 11 will be replaced. One location will not receive a replacement due to its proximity to an intersection, though officials said nearby replanting will help offset the loss.