U.S. 129 Rockslide Update for April 29

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Work to remove and stabilize a major rockslide along U.S. 129/State Route 115 in Blount County continues to progress ahead of schedule. Scaling crews are now in the process of drilling 30 foot holes into the eastern side of the slide area for the future installation of large anchor bolts. The anchor bolts will be installed into the rock face and will help hold layers of rock together in place. The anchor bolts range in length from 20 feet to 50 feet and are expected to arrive at the project site this weekend. 

 

On the western side of the slope, crews are also drilling to prepare for trim blasting to bring down unstable rock. The first blast is expected to occur within the coming week. 

 

Last weekend, crews had to suspend work on Saturday and Sunday afternoon due to strong winds and lightning. However, Tennessee Department of Transportation emergency contractor Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. remains ahead of schedule. The completion date for the project is July 31 with a $195,000 incentive to finish the repairs and open U.S. 129/SR-115 to through traffic by July 1.

 

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. Detours remain in place to allow motorists to get around the rockslide repair area.

 

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.