Oversized Generator Transport Days 1-3 through Knox, Hamblen, Grainger Counties

Friday, June 18, 2010 | 11:09am
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Motorists in Knox, Jefferson and Hamblen Counties should expect delays on some state routes this weekend as a large generator is slowly transported by Barnhart Crane and Rigging Company through East Tennessee.
 
The generator and transportation rigging is a minimum of 22.2 feet wide, more than 365 feet long and will take up at least two travel lanes as it moves through northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. The hauling rig, trucks and generator combined weight is an estimated 640 tons.   In order to safely move the massive structure, crews will only drive between 8 to 10 miles per hour with law enforcement escorting the load.
 
The transport of the oversized load will begin on Saturday, June 19 at 6:00 a.m.
Weather permitting, the transport will travel from:
  • Pickle Lane to North National Drive 
  • North National Drive to State Route 168 (John Sevier Highway) 
    • Portions of John Sevier Highway will be closed from National Drive to Strawberry Plains Pike. 
  • John Sevier Highway to Strawberry Plains Pike; transport will crossover I-40 at the Strawberry Plains Interchange
    • Sections of Strawberry Plains Pike from John Sevier Highway to Interstate 40; and from I-40 to Asheville Highway will be temporarily closed during the transport
    • Ramps onto eastbound I-40 will be closed temporarily during the crossover
    • A rolling road block for both east and westbound I-40 traffic will be utilized during crossover
    • The convoy will then proceed back onto Strawberry Plains Pike
  •  Strawberry Plains Pike to Kitts Rd. to US 11E (Andrew Johnson Highway) into Jefferson City
  •  Day 1 transport ends in Jefferson City at the G.W. Wyatt Offices 
Highway planners estimate it will take the generator approximately ten hours to travel the 26.3 mile route that will begin at 6:00 a.m.
 
On Sunday, June 20, the transport will resume at 10:00 p.m. and will travel from:
  • G.W. Wyatt Offices on U.S. 11E/State Route 34 in Jefferson City to the City of Morristown
  •  Once into the City of Morristown the oversized load will use West First North Street (State Route 66) to East First North Street (State Route 66)
  • The convoy will travel along U.S. 25E/State Route 32 before stopping in Morristown
    • A rolling roadblock for both directions of U.S. 25E will be utilized
    • Highway planners estimate it will take the generator approximately eight hours to travel the 13 mile route from Jefferson City to Morristown.
On Monday, June 21, the transport will resume at 10:00 p.m. and will travel from:
  • Morristown city limits on U.S. 25E to the top of Clinch Mountain
  •  The load will stop for the day at the top of Clinch Mountain. 
Highway planners estimate it will take the generator approximately ten hours to travel approximately 15.1 miles.
 
A map of the entire route is attached to this release.
 
** MEDIA NOTE: Questions about the movement of the large generator should be directed to Tim Fielder with Barnhart Crane and Rigging Company at 901-270-1226.
 
For up to date travel information, motorists may dial 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or follow TDOT on Twitter. For traffic information in Knoxville and Tri-Cities areas follow @Knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow @TN511.
 
As always, motorists are encouraged to Know Before You Go! and check traffic conditions before leaving home. Drivers should never text, tweet or use a cell phone when behind the wheel. 
 
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