U.S. 129 Slide Repair Update for June 17

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Trim blast on unstable area brings down a portion of the mass

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Crews working to remove and repair a rockslide on U.S. 129/SR-115 in Blount County continue to pump water onto a mass of unstable rock above the roadway. Workers conducted a trim blast on the area Wednesday night and are in the process of developing a drilling plan for more blasts to remove the unstable area of rock. Emergency contractor Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. estimates it could take a series of at least three trim blasts to remove the fractured rock. 

 

Wednesday’s trim blast removed approximately 2,158 tons of unstable rock. Drilling for the next blast in the same hazardous area is estimated to begin on Friday. 

 

On the other side of the slope, crews will continue drilling and installing rock bolts throughout the weekend. Workers are also expected to complete the installation of a second section of wire mesh this weekend. 

 

To view video of Wednesday night’s trim blast visit TDOT’s YouTube site at:  http://www.youtube.com/user/TDOTnews . 

 

Up to date information on the U.S. 129 rockslide removal/stabilization project is available on 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 Region 1 Community Relations Officer
865-594-0161
Yvette.Martinez@tn.gov