Stumpgate: RIDOT Says Trees Off I-95 Were Cleared Without Permission
April 11, 2025
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PROVIDENCE — Contractors hired by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation cleared more trees in an area near routes 1 and 10 than originally intended, according to the agency.
Some residents complained in early March when a field of stumps appeared where RIDOT is working on a bridge and street project, saying the number of cut trees seemed excessive.
At the time, RIDOT said it had intentionally cleared the trees, but ABC 6 reported later in March that RIDOT said the contractors had cut trees without permission.
“We looked into this further with the contractor and determined they did exceed what they were approved to do. And we’re currently working with them to resolve the matter,” RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin wrote in an email to ecoRI News.
The ABC 6 story also reported that the excessive tree clearing could cause flooding and erosion, which St. Martin refuted.
”All erosion and sediment controls are in place on the site,” he wrote. “We are still discussing that with the contractor, but the contractor would be responsible for the costs.”
RIDOT is working in the area to improve the Hunting Viaduct over Elmwood Avenue and Interstate 95. The improvements are a part of Rhode Island’s The I-95 15, a project aimed at fixing or removing 15 bridges in poor, nearing poor, or fair condition in Rhode Island built over the highway.
Companies Skanska, McCourt, and Aetna Bridge are jointly working on the $779 million project, which is expected to finish in 2031.
St. Martin told ecoRI News in March that the project’s plans included replacing landscaping and planting more trees, as well as reducing the amount of asphalt in the area, which he said would ultimately help the flood-prone area around I-95.
Oops…another contractor faux pas under RIDOT’s watch. But no problem, right? The contractor will pay to fix it. What a waste. How about better oversight so things get done right the first time?!
ridot contractors fouled the Washington Bridge, dumped hazardous materials next to poor people in Olneyville, now this, seems lax oversight. And watch out for men with machinery that like destroying nature – recall the desecration of the small park just south of the Amtrak station cleared by some other such men
Fire Alviti
The most alarming part of this article is how RIDOT and it’s director take no responsibility for anything. That old Harry Truman adage “the buck stops here” is something that the RIDOT admin has not heard of.
Barbaric, Barbaric, Barbaric!!!!!
I’ve been in ongoing communication with state and local officials about the Elmwood Avenue to Route 10 construction project. It’s been a frustrating experience, with significant disruptions to our neighborhood and no clear resolution to pressing concerns.
Key Issues:
Tree Removal: A grove of trees, some of which were part of a 150-year-old forest, was cleared without proper approval. The DOT promised replanting, but there’s no clear plan for how or when this will happen. These trees were a crucial buffer between our homes and the freeway.
Pedestrian Safety: The infrastructure around the Elmwood Avenue exit and Route 10 on-ramps is dangerous for pedestrians. Improvements are promised, but no specific details have been provided.
Environmental Impact: Testing revealed toxic substances like petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil. While excavation and capping are planned, concerns remain about long-term health risks and contamination affecting nearby residents, particularly children.
Community Involvement: Despite multiple inquiries, there’s been no meaningful engagement or concrete information provided to the community. The responses I’ve received feel like empty words.
Timeline of Events:
Feb 21, 2025: I raised concerns about tree clearing and toxic soil.
Feb 22, 2025: I sent a letter to the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) detailing these concerns.
Feb 24, 2025: DEM acknowledged the concerns and forwarded them to relevant departments.
Feb 27, 2025: DOT reached out but only forwarded the issue to other departments without clear updates.
Mar 4, 2025: DEM confirmed that the contractor had been told to stop tree clearing, but there was no update on what would happen next.
Mar 20, 2025: The Mayor’s Office acknowledged the issue, but provided no immediate solutions.
Mar 21, 2025: DOT admitted the tree removal was unauthorized but promised replanting, with no clear plan.
Mar 25, 2025: Rep. Scott Slater offered to discuss the matter over the phone but hasn’t provided a resolution.
Mar 24, 2025: Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8) confirmed this was a state-level issue but gave no details on how it would be fixed.
Frustration and Ongoing Efforts:
Despite months of communication, it feels like I’m being bounced around with no real action. As a parent and farmer, I simply don’t have the time to chase down these empty responses. The tree removal, pedestrian safety issues, and environmental risks are still unresolved, and the promises from officials aren’t leading to tangible action.
Action Plan and Contact Information:
If you want to help address these issues, here are key contacts involved:
Rep. Scott Slater: 401-741-7641, [email protected]
Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8): 401-680-8600, [email protected]
Mayor’s Office: 401-680-5200, [email protected]
RIDOT: David Walsh, 401-479-4506 (Cell) / 401-563-4077 (Office), [email protected]
DEM: Joanna Pawlina, 401-537-4359, [email protected]
If you have any updates or further insights, please share them. The community needs to stay connected and keep pushing for answers.
NEVER ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT DOT
ANOTHER BLUNDER, AN ENVIOREMENTAL TRAGEDY OF MONUMENTAL PROPORTIONS
CENTURYS OF SHADE AND HABITAT LOST FOREVER
JUST MORE CEMENT DOT= DEATH OF TOPSOIL
WAKE UP GOV…
FIRE ‘TEFLON’ DON ALVITI ITS TIME!!!