Update on U.S. 129 Rockslide Project for April 27

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Work continues on a project to stabilize and remove debris from a rockslide on U.S. 129/SR-115 in Blount County, Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Transportation emergency contractor Pacific Blasting & Demolition is working this week to drill blast holes at the bottom of the slide area for future trim blasting work. Rock scalers are also drilling holes at the east end of the slide to prepare for the installation of mesh draping which will be used to keep the slope stable.

 

Crews had to suspend work due to strong winds and lightning on Saturday and Sunday. Drilling operations came to a halt on Sunday afternoon when winds became too strong to operate the JLG man lift used to lift the drilling crews onto the mountainside. Lifts and cranes can only operate when wind speeds are under 15 to 20 miles per hour. Scaling operations were also suspended on Saturday afternoon after lightning moved into Blount County. The ropes used by rock scalers have a steel core which could attract lightning.

 

Detours remain in place while crews continue with the rockslide repairs. U.S. 129/SR-115 remains closed from just past the Foothills Parkway to the Tabcat Bridge. However, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. U.S. 129/SR-115 is open from Tabcat Bridge to the state line. Through traffic is not allowed to travel through the slide area at anytime. 

 

The completion date for the project remains July 31, with a $195,000 incentive for early completion by July 1.

 

TDOT has created a web page for information on the rockslide which can be found at www.tn.gov/tdot by clicking on the link "Rockslide Closures" at the top of the page. Motorists can find detour maps for all rockslides currently affecting travel in Tennessee. TDOT will also use the site to communicate updates on the project to stabilize and clear the U.S. 129 slide.