JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – If you’re wondering why trees are being cut down along the interstates in Mississippi, it’s a measure intended to ensure your safety while driving.

Crews with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) have been in an ongoing process to remove trees that are dead or dying due to last year’s drought.

MDOT officials said the trees are a danger to drivers because those trees could fall on roads, damage power lines or become fire threats.

“These trees are in the right way, so they’re very close to the roadway, and they do pose a threat of falling on vehicles or in the road. So, it could cause accidents. So, we’re just trying to make sure these trees are not a threat to our traveling public at this time,” said David Kenney, public information officer for MDOT.

Officials said the Pine Belt area received the most substantial damage to the trees due to the drought in 2023.