Rockslide repairs continue on US441

Knoxville, Tenn. – In their first week of work, TDOT’s emergency repair contractor, Charles Blalock and Sons, Incorporated, has been able to maintain an aggressive schedule despite inclement weather conditions.

 

Contractors have used 54 rock dowels reinforced with grout to secure the rock slope. Crews have also drilled ten footings to place four “H” piles, which were secured by concrete, to begin the foundation of what will become a retaining wall. 

 

Blalock hopes to place the remaining piling next week if temperatures remain above 35 degrees.

TDOT awarded Blalock the $713,000 emergency contract for the repair and clean-up of a rockslide on US441 on February 8. The contract is broken into two phases. Phase one, which is currently underway, includes clearing and stabilizing the slope, construction of a retaining wall and reopening the southbound lanes to traffic. TDOT has incorporated an incentive into the contract for the completion of phase one by March 12. 

 

The January 25 rockslide blocked both southbound lanes of US441. Southbound traffic is currently being detoured onto one of the northbound lanes. That detour will remain in place throughout phase one of the project.

 

For more information on TDOT road construction projects visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway.  People can also dial 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone for up to date travel inforamtion.  TDOT is also on Twitter.  For Knoxville and Tri-Cities area travel information follow www.twitter.com/Knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511.