The Palm and The Pine is leaving Hwy 99: What’s next for the historic landmark?

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Commuters traveling through Madera County can soon expect an easier commute – but that comes at the expense of a historic landmark that will soon be going through a dramatic change.

“The Palm and The Pine” is a pair of trees that sit in the median of Highway 99, between Avenue 11 and Avenue 10 ½ . However, Cal Trans says the trees will have to be torn down to make room for an expansion to Highway 99.

State officials say the expansion will improve commuter travel by building three lanes in each direction – both on the north and south sides.

Cal Trans has a plan to replace the locally known landmark with something substantially bigger. State officials say the landmark will be replaced by an equally remarkable spectacle, on a far grander scale.

On the west side of Highway 99, in the general location where the trees are now, 15 new palm trees and 15 new pine trees will be planted.

A new irrigation system will also be used to make sure the trees stay healthy.

If you have yet to see “The Palm and The Pine,” the trees will remain in place until summer 2025.

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