NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A heavily-shaded stretch of Lebanon Pike may never be the same.
Construction of a new entryway for the Tennessee Historical Commission has cleared nearly half a dozen trees on the property that sits south of Stewarts Ferry Pike in Donelson.
"Unfortunately, we did have to remove five trees, either they posed a danger risk or they were in the construction zone," said Phil Hyde, Assistant Director of Project Management for Tennessee's General Services.
The widening of Lebanon Pike several years ago created a two-foot drop off near the edge of the tree-lined entrance.
"It's so narrow going in between the historical columns," Hyde said. "As you come out, visually, you can't see the oncoming traffic, so you're having to creep out slowly. It really makes for a dangerous situation."
The multi-acre property, known as Clover Bottom Farm, dates back to 1853.
State Historical Commission offices were moved to the farm mansion more than a decade ago. Since then, many trees have been uprooted.
Thirteen trees were toppled by powerful storms last spring. Half-century-old hackberries, maples and oaks were leveled in the last several weeks, either due to disease or to make way for the new entrance.
Once work is complete, the old stone entrance will be gated. The new entrance will be easily accessible to all traffic.
"This project was designed to improve the safety of visitors and employees as they enter and exit the property," said Hyde. "It's also going to allow us to have fire truck [and] emergency vehicle entry from Lebanon Pike which wasn't possible before this project."
Several 100-year-old cypress trees still stand tall on the property.
The state plans to replant 45 trees, including redbuds, tulip poplars, dogwoods and other trees native to Tennessee.
Construction is expected to be finished by November.
