Bredesen Signs Emergency Proclamation for Second Polk County Rockslide

 

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today signed an Emergency Proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Polk County due to a second rockslide on U.S. Highway 64. The proclamation is the first step in a process to receive federal emergency relief funds to pay for the clean-up of the second rockslide. On January 19, rock and debris slid onto US 64 at mile marker 10.9 near Maddens Branch in Polk County. The roadway was already closed due to another rockslide that happened November 10, 2009 at mile marker 17.6 at TVA Ocoee Dam No. 2. Emergency relief funds have already been approved for work at the first rockslide.

 

“Highway 64 is a major route for people living in eastern Polk County and the closure of this roadway has created a tremendous hardship on these communities,” said Bredesen. “These funds should help expedite removal of the second slide and I have again emphasized to TDOT the need to reopen the roadway as quickly as possible, without jeopardizing safety.”

 

Assuming that weather or further instability of the two rock slopes does not further delay the progress on the rockslide clean-up efforts, TDOT remains committed to reopening US 64 by March 31, 2010.

 

Work is currently underway to stabilize the site of the second rockslide. TDOT awarded contractor Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc. a $759,000 contract for the clean-up of the second rockslide on February 1. Blalock is also the contractor working to stabilize and remove debris from the first rock slide at the TVA Ocoee Dam Number 2. The contractor will coordinate the simultaneous clean-up of both slides.

 

The second rockslide contract includes a provision requiring the completion of the clean-up work by March 26, 2010. While initially not as large as the November 10 rockslide, the second slide that occurred on January 19 will require removal of nearly twice the amount of unstable debris.

 

Until US 64 is reopened, motorists traveling from Chattanooga or Cleveland should take I-75 North to Exit 60 (State Route 68, Sweetwater) and follow SR-68 South through Monroe County and into Ducktown in Polk County. Those traveling from North Carolina are advised to take US 74 to SR-68 North to I-75 at Sweetwater in Monroe County. Motorists may also utilize a route through northern Georgia by taking Georgia Route 5 at the Georgia State Line to U.S. Highway 76 to U.S. Highway 411 north to the Tennessee state line.

 

For more information on TDOT construction projects visit the TDOT SmartWay Web site. Travelers may also dial “511” for travel information or follow TDOT on Twitter. For statewide traffic updates follow TN511 or for the Chattanooga area including updates on the US64 rockslide, follow Chattanooga511.  

 

Motorists are reminded to use all travel information tools responsibly and refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.

 ###