Rockslide Risks Close the Dragon
Friday, March 19, 2010 | 03:57am
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- U.S. 129/SR-115 is closed from the North Carolina state line to a rockslide two miles south of the Chilhowee Dam.
Due to the complexity and severity of the rockslide that occurred on U.S. 129/SR-115 on Sunday morning, law enforcement and emergency crews will have very limited emergency access to the Dragon. Response time to accidents or emergencies could be hindered by the rockslide's instability or repair work to the slide.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is continuing to assess the situation and is in the process of completing a stabilization plan. Efforts to complete an emergency contract are in the final stages but there is not a timeline for repairs to begin at this time.
Meanwhile, motorists can take temporary detours around the rockslide area.
From North Carolina
Traffic travelling on U.S. 74 can take State Route 68 north to Ducktown. Continue on SR-68 through Polk and Monroe Counties to either U.S.411 in Madisonville or I-75 in Sweetwater.
(Non Commercial Traffic Only)
Motorists travelling on State Route 143 in North Carolina will continue to travel north onto State Route 165 to Tellico Plains to State Route 68 north to U.S. 411 (State Route 35) toward Maryville.
(Non Commercial Traffic Only)
Motorists can also use U.S. 441 to travel through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into Cherokee, North Carolina. For road conditions on U.S. 441 through the Smokies, motorists can call (865) 436-1200.
TDOT is now on Twitter. For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511.