Construction workers will begin removing 170 trees and areas of undergrowth along the south side of the Midtown Greenway between Thomas Avenue South and East Calhoun Parkway in the next few days.

The Metropolitan Council said the trees need to make way for the replacement of an aging sewer. Clearing the half-mile stretch will improve safety for crews on the sewer excavation project.

The trees slated for removal are ash, mulberry, elm and cottonwood, the majority less than 8 inches in diameter. Four much larger cottonwood trees also will be cut down, officials said.

Additional tree removals are planned for the north side of the Midtown Greenway between Dean Parkway and Thomas Avenue.

The Metropolitan Council said it will replant trees in the area after the sewer work is complete.