Movement of Unstable Rock Suspends a Portion of Drilling on U.S. 129 Rockslide Project in Blount County

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Crews are keeping a close eye on the movement of some unstable rock that became apparent overnight at the site of a rockslide on U.S. 129/SR-115 in Blount County. On Wednesday, workers drilled their first hole in a series of 21 holes that were expected to be completed this week to insert low-impact explosives for a trim blast. However, after significant movement was detected today, drilling was suspended to protect the safety of the crews. Tennessee Department of Transportation emergency contractor Pacific Blasting & Demolition is continuing to monitor the movement that could bring more rock to the ground without a trim blast.

 

Meanwhile, drilling continues in the more stabilized area of the slope where another 11 anchors were drilled this week. Crews are also continuing to lace together the wire mesh that was hung this weekend to provide another layer of stability to the slope that has also been rock bolted.

 

On Tuesday, another 69 truck loads of debris were removed from the slide area. 

 

The rockslide repair and stabilization project is 70% complete as contractors remain ahead of schedule.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 information contact:

Yvette Martinez          

TDOT Community Relations Officer Region 1

865-594-0161