Emergency Contract Awarded for U.S. 129 Rockslide Repairs

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation today awarded Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. an emergency contract to begin working to stabilize, remove debris and repair damage caused by a rockslide on U.S. 129/SR-115. The slide, which occurred on March 14, 2010, completely blocked U.S. 129 near the Chilhowee Dam in Blount County, Tennessee.

 

Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. submitted the low bid of $1.99million.  Crews with Pacific Blasting are beginning to mobilize equipment and personnel and will begin work on the complex slide removal and stabilization project no later than April 5, 2010. 

Phillips and Jordan, Inc. was the only other pre-qualified contractor and submitted a bid of $2.65 million.

 

The rockslide project on U.S. 129/SR-115 is estimated to be completed by July 31, 2010. However, TDOT is providing an incentive of $6,500 per day for the contractor to complete work and reopen the roadway before July 31, 2010.  If the project is totally complete by July 1, 2010 the contractor will receive the full incentive of $195,000. Failure to complete the project and reopen the roadway by July 31 will result in a disincentive of $6,500 per day until work is completed.

 

TDOT continues to work with agencies and interested parties in Tennessee and North Carolina regarding the closure of a stretch of U.S. 129/SR-115 between the slide and the North Carolina state line known as “The Dragon.” TDOT is working to determine an amicable solution for both businesses and emergency needs and is hopeful that some arrangement can be reached whereby portions of the route can be reopened.  At this time, however, detours remain in place from the slide area to the NC state line.

 

TDOT has created a web page for information on the rock slide which can be found at www.tn.gov/tdot by clicking on the link “Rockslide Closures” at the top of the page. Motorists can find detour maps for all rockslides currently effecting travel in Tennessee. TDOT will also use the site to communicate updates on the project to stabilize and clear the U.S. 129 slide.

 

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. When travelers encounter traffic delays on the roadway they should always practice common sense safety precautions when using any of these services and avoid texting, tweeting or operating a cell phone when driving.

 

###