Water Pumping Begins on U.S. 129 Rockslide in Blount County

Saturday, June 05, 2010 | 01:08pm

[img:2 align=float_left]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Water pumping operations have started at the rockslide area on U.S. 129/SR-115 in Blount County. Emergency contractor Pacific Blasting and Demolition Ltd is using water to saturate and lubricate an unstable rock mass that started shifting this week. The procedure is used to safely cause the rock mass to slip and break away from the mountainside and fall.

Since the unstable rock began to move on Wednesday, it has shifted more than 4 feet down the mountainside. Several truck loads of rock have broken away from the mass and have fallen in the past 48 hours.

The movement caused drilling for a future trim blast to be suspended, however other repair work on the rockslide has continued.

Meanwhile, the first section of wire mesh has been completely installed, while crews continue to drill anchors to install rock bolts next week.

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. The Tennessee Department of Transportation emergency contractor remains ahead of schedule.

For the latest video of today’s rockslide repairs and water pumping procedure, visit

http://www.youtube.com/user/TDOTnews in full screen and widescreen formats.

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.

###

For More Information Contact:
Yvette Martinez
TDOT, Region 1 Community Relations Officer
865-594-0161
Yvette.Martinez@tn.gov

[img:1 align=float_left]

Press Releases | Media Advisories | Road Closures | Transportation