Rockslide Closes SR-16 in Franklin County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – At approximately 6:30 a.m. CDT this morning, a rockslide occurred on SR-16 (Rowe Gap Road/Keith Springs Mtn.) in Franklin County, totally closing the road near log mile 17.7.  The rockslide occurred in the same location where a $2.4 million TDOT rockslide mitigation project is currently underway.  Because the rockslide occurred at the site of an active project, personnel from Highways, Inc. are already in the area and can quickly mobilize to address the rockslide.  TDOT and contractor personnel are assessing the area to determine when the roadway can safely be reopened, and crews and equipment will move in soon to begin the clearing the roadway. 

While the road is closed, only local passenger car traffic will be allowed to use Iron Gap Road (a narrow county road) as a detour around the site. Truck traffic will not be allowed to use this road and will have to seek alternate routes.  The average daily traffic count along this section of SR-16 is approximately 780 vehicles per day.

For travel information visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 5 1 1.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511. 

Android and iPhone users can download TDOT’s SmartWay Mobile App to assist them in navigating Tennessee highways.  The app provides up-to-the-minute customized traffic information and enables the user 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.  The TDOT SmartWay App is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Play Store for Android. 

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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For more information contact:
Jennifer A. Flynn
TDOT Region Two Community Relations Officer
Jennifer.Flynn@tn.gov
Office 423-510-1164