Work is now underway to stabilize and repair a rockslide site along U.S. 129/SR115 in Blount County, Tn.
Crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation's emergency contractor, Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. worked on Tuesday to hang ropes that will be used to scale the mountainside and remove any unstable and loose rock.
Meanwhile, crews working along the base of the slide are breaking up rock that has already fallen from the mountainside.
Several tons of rock and debris slid from the mountainside on March 14, closing U.S. 129 two miles south of the Chilhowee Dam.
TDOT awarded a $1.99 million emergency repair contract to Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. on Monday, March 29. Crews will work over the next several weeks to stabilize the remaining rock along the slope, remove debris and repair damage caused by the rockslide.
The contractor plans to work seven days a week, ten hours a day to safely expedite the rockslide repairs.
The U.S. 129/SR115 rockslide project is estimated to be complete by July 31, however TDOT is providing an incentive of $6,500 per day to complete the work early. If work is completed by July 1 the contractor will receive a full incentive of $195,000. If work is not complete by July 31 the contractor faces a disincentive of $6,500 per day until the work is complete.
TDOT has created a web page for information on the rock slide which can be found at www.tn.gov/tdot by clicking on the link "Rockslide Closures" at the top of the page. Motorists can find detour maps for all rockslides currently effecting travel in Tennessee. TDOT will also use the site to communicate updates on the project to stabilize and clear the U.S. 129 slide.
For up to date travel information, motorists may dial 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or follow TDOT on Twitter. For traffic information in Knoxville and Tri-Cities areas follow @Knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow @TN511.
As always, motorists are encouraged to Know Before You Go! and check traffic conditions before leaving. When travelers encounter traffic delays on the roadway they should always practice common sense safety precautions when using any of these services and avoid texting, tweeting or operating a cell phone when driving.