The clearing of trees from the median of a 16-mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway is raising some eyebrows.

Garden State Parkway in Brick where trees are being stripped from the median
Garden State Parkway in Brick where trees are being stripped from the median (NJ DOT)
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Some motorists are complaining the work between Wall and Toms River is stripping the parkway of the features that distinguish it from the Turnpike.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which runs the parkway, tells the Asbury Park Press the work will improve safety on a stretch of road that has had six fatal crashes in two years.

As part of the $330 million project, the median will be used to return full-sized shoulders lost when lanes were added.

Turnpike director Veronique Hakim says motorists who veer off the road need a zone to recover.

She says grass, wildflowers and trees will be planted when the project is done.

 

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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