Temporary Lane Closure on Alcoa Highway Will Allow Crews to Clear Rockslide Debris

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-  Motorists traveling northbound on U.S. 129/State Route 115 also known as Alcoa Highway need to be aware of a temporary lane closure for rockslide repairs. Shortly before 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon, officers reported a small amount of rock on the northbound right hand lane of Alcoa Highway near the United States Naval and Marine Reserve Center. 

 

On December 1, 2010, a rockslide closed the same lane in the same area. Tennessee Department of Transportation crews along with City of Knoxville workers cleaned up the rockslide area. TDOT geotechnical engineers recommended a concrete barrier be placed at the site to keep any future debris from reaching the road. Today, half a truck load of debris fell behind the concrete barrier. A small shovel full of debris crossed the concrete barrier but was easily and quickly cleared.

 

On Sunday, December 19, TDOT crews will remove unstable debris and vegetation from the slope according to the recommendations of geotechnical engineers. Workers will also clear away material behind the concrete barrier. While the crews work, the northbound right hand lane will be closed from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m..

 

For more information on travel conditions across Tennessee visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 511 from any land line or cell phone. TDOT is also on Twitter. For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511.