Crews Install Mesh Draping to Continue Stabilization at U.S. 129 Rockslide in Blount County

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Crews working to clear a rockslide on U.S. 129/SR-115 are today preparing for a small trim-blast at the site to remove more lose rock and debris from the side of the rock slope above the roadway. The crews will drill 21 holes this week to insert low-impact explosives for the next blast scheduled for later this week. 

 

Despite stormy weather throughout the weekend, crews at the site of a rockslide in Blount County installed five sections of wire mesh to continue stabilizing the slope. In addition to rock bolts, the stainless steel wire mesh will help provide another layer of protection against falling rock. The mesh is designed to keep rock from falling off the slope and into the roadway. Workers will now focus on lacing the mesh into place on the mountainside that overlooks U.S. 129/SR-115.

 

Tennessee Department of Transportation emergency contractor Pacific Blasting and Demolition installed the first sections of wire mesh, conducted two small trim blasts and drove six more rock bolts into the slope above U.S. 129 between Friday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 1.

 

The small trim blasts on Friday and Monday brought down more than 2,000 tons of rock and debris. Crews removed 176 truck-loads of material from the rockslide site which amounted to approximately 4,400 tons of rock and dirt.

 

For up to date information on the U.S. 129 rockslide removal/stabilization project, visit the TDOT website at www.tn.gov/tdot/US129Rockslide/default.htm, where you can view a live camera feed of work ongoing at the site as well as video and photos from the project.

 

The U.S. 129 rockslide project is estimated to be completed by July 31, 2010. The contractor will earn a $195,000 incentive if the roadway is opened by July 1, 2010.

 

U.S. 129/SR-115 is closed from just past the Foothills Parkway to the Tabcat Bridge. A short section of U.S. 129 between the Tabcat Bridge and the North Carolina state line, known as “The Dragon”, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., however no through traffic is allowed at the rockslide site at any time. Detours remain in place to allow motorists to get around the rockslide repair area.

 

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For more information contact:

Yvette Martinez

TDOT Community Relations Officer Region 1

(865)594-0161