photo by TDOT
The Bachman Tunnel that leads from East Ridge to Chattanooga has been closed due to a landslide.
East Ridge Fire and Police Chief Mike Williams said, "At approximately 7 p.m. Lifeguard EMS called in on the radio reporting a landslide on the East Ridge side of the Bachman Tunnel. East Ridge Police and East Ridge Street Department placed barricades to block both east and west bound traffic going through the tunnels.
"TDOT was called to the scene and will be starting clean-up and any needed repairs. The tunnels will remain closed at this time."
On Thursday TDOT officials said, "As you know, last night’s heavy rains caused a slide to occur near the East Ridge tunnels, and we closed the tunnels until our engineers could take a better look in the daylight. The tunnels remain closed to traffic, but geotechnical engineers will evaluate the site today. Once they determine what repairs need to be made, if any, our crews will know how to proceed with addressing the situation. Meanwhile, the tunnels remain closed until further notice. They will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so."