TIM POTTER
KDOT
SEDGWICK COUNTY — A large, old, landmark cottonwood tree along K-96 in western Sedgwick County – known by many as The Lucky Tree – sustained damage recently.
Citizens reached out to the Kansas Department of Transportation to inquire about the damage because the tree is on KDOT right of way. The tree is on the eastbound side of K-96 between the Bentley exit and the Maize Road exit.
KDOT has been approached by a group of citizens on Facebook devoted to the tree -- wanting to inspect the damage for possible treatment. For safety reasons, KDOT is asking the group to seek a permit for entering the right of way to inspect the tree. A permit provides safety guidance.
A KDOT crew member noticed that it appeared that some of the tree’s bark had been skinned off.
For the safety of all motorists, KDOT discourages motorists from unnecessarily slowing down or pulling over near the tree.