ITD to deliver early Christmas gift to Idaho Capitol

ITD will lend Santa a big hand — and a big truck — again this year by transporting the state Christmas tree from its home on Cassia and Orchard streets in Boise a few miles northeast to the steps of the Idaho Capitol Building. The journey will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday (Nov. 16).  
 
A long-time D-3 shop employee and transport driver will escort the Christmas treasure to its new, temporary home.
 
Each year a homeowner donates a tree to add color to the holiday spirit. Last year’s tree lived in the North End of Boise. The 2012 tree is a 70-foot Blue Spruce. ITD's expertise at transporting large loads proves invaluable in the delivery process. 
 
Moving the tree is a combined effort.

• A crane from Crane West is used to corral the tree top.
• A crew from the Idaho Department of Lands cuts the tree off at the base.
• It is then lowered onto an ITD transport truck, and
• Boise Police officers provide a “flying wedge” traffic escort on the way to the Capitol.

Before the big move each year, an ITD driver scouts the route in a pickup to identify potential problems.

The tree should be in place to greet Capitol visitors by noon on Friday. The whole effort is orchestrated by the Department of Public Works.

Published 11-9-2012