Rockslide Repair Work Begins on U.S. 321 in Blount County

On March 31, 2011 a rockslide occurred on U.S. 321 near log mile 23 between Townsend and Maryville. Bids were opened for the repair project on April 8, 2011 and a contract in the amount of $592,722.75 was awarded to Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc. of Sevierville, TN.

 

As part of the repair project, the contractor will be scaling loose material from the slope and installing rock bolts and wire mesh netting. The completion date is May 15, 2011 with a $1,000 per day penalty if the work is not completed in its entirety on or before that date.

 

For the safety of both the workers and the public, it will be necessary to reduce the roadway to one lane for the duration of the project. Traffic will be controlled by a temporary signal, which will be installed today. The signal will flash yellow until Tuesday, April 19, at which time the roadway will be reduced to one lane and the work will begin on the repair project.

 

Updated project information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5‑1‑1. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Knoxville area alerts @Knoxville511. Smart phone users can use the new TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.

 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go!by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

 

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