A section of Hospital Avenue is currently closed due to the threat of a tree falling across the road. Duke Energy has been called in to clear the tree, which is currently touching a power line. A detour is available around the area.
City staff were notified today, April, 10, 2023, of a tree leaning toward Hospital Avenue. Staff located a section of a large pine tree that appeared to have snapped at the base and was leaning toward Hospital Avenue.
"The only thing holding the tree up is a utility line, and another pine tree," Public Works Operations Manager Jon Hogan said. "We think it must have snapped during the recent weekend wind storm, and has been slowly leaning toward the street."
City staff have closed Hospital Avenue between Westbrook Street NW and Sharon Avenue NW. Duke Energy will bring in a crew to clear the tree. Operations Manager Hogan said it will likely take at least four hours for Duke Energy to clear the tree.
Drivers can detour around the area via Sharon Avenue and Westbrook Street.
Check back for updates.
Updates
Update 8:23 pm, April 10, 2023: Hospital Avenue should now be open.
Hospital Avenue is currently closed between Westbrook Street NW and Sharon Avenue NW. Drivers can detour around the closed section via Sharon and Westbrook.
The image above shows the tree broken at the base and leaning toward Hospital Avenue.
This image shows the tree leaning against the Duke Energy power line.