I live out by Circle Dr. at the end of the project boundary and a month or so ago I saw the news crews filming by all of the shredded trees. About the same time there were some other people there measuring tree trunks etc.
Just from reading what was available (so I am not saying this is the whole story), TxDOT/Contractor says they took out trees but all were 8" or less in diameter. Just by looking I can tell that is not the case, from the few trunks that were for some reason not shredded. But even if it is, there were probably not many and certainly no huge oak trees.
I am certain there is a tree survey of the cleared area, so it seems like this would be easy enough to clear up. I am not sure of the requirements, but I am pretty sure there is going to be a tree replacement program for trees of a certain size that were removed in this area.
On a different front, there are many large and old trees down at the start of the project by William Cannon and those in the current median where the existing freeway ends. Not sure what the plan is for those, but my guess would be they are staying since they already built the road around them anyway.
The new South 183 project was able to save several very large oaks around the Thompson Lane area, but those were were pretty conveniently located for construction purposes.
I also am interested in the goings on with concrete plant and its opposition. As I understand it, this is a temporary batch plant intended to service the new road construction only and it will be disassembled close to the end of completion. From a friend in the construction business, seems like a done deal and all opposition is just for concessions and show. I feel for those close by though.