City of Fort Worth to close Main Street temporarily for emergency tree removal at Heritage Park

Fort Worth, Texas – A section of Main Street in Fort Worth will be temporarily closed on Saturday, December 6, as city crews work to safely remove a large, deteriorating American elm tree located in Heritage Park. The closure is a precautionary measure to protect both the public and surrounding infrastructure during the complex removal process.

City officials reported that the American elm is approximately 90% dead, with a significant portion of the tree already having fallen onto a pedestrian walkway. A large hanging limb still poses a serious safety threat to anyone nearby. Arborists determined that the tree is no longer viable for preservation or stabilization, and the remaining structure cannot support climbing efforts due to the lack of living tissue. As a result, crane-assisted removal has been deemed the only safe method.

“To protect the community and city infrastructure, this tree must be removed immediately,” said Joel McElhany, Park & Recreation assistant director. “Our team evaluated multiple removal methods, but due to the site’s steep terrain, overhead power lines and limited access points, closing Main Street was the only safe alternative.”

Traffic Detour and Closure Details

The temporary closure will affect southbound North Main Street between Northwest Fourth Street and Bluff Street, starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday and is expected to continue until approximately 3 p.m. that same day. A crane will be staged on the street to assist with removal efforts. A marked detour route will be in place to redirect drivers around the affected area.

Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, expect delays, and follow detour signs. Those seeking additional information can contact Lisa Maciques at [email protected].

The city emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to eliminate risks posed by the tree, which has become a growing danger in a busy public area.