SR 16 in Franklin County to Remain Closed for Approximately Two Weeks

Thursday, March 28, 2013 | 04:46am

SR 16 in Franklin County to Remain Closed for Approximately Two Weeks

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – SR 16 (Rowe Gap Road/Keith Springs Mtn.) in Franklin County will remain closed near log mile 17.7 as clean-up continues from a rockslide that occurred earlier this week.  Because the rockslide occurred at the site of an active $2.4 million TDOT rockslide mitigation project, personnel from Highways, Inc. were in the area and quickly mobilized and began cleanup of the site.

As cleanup has progressed, TDOT geotechnical engineers and construction personnel have found several unstable areas that need to be addressed before the road can safely be reopened.  Additional cracking and separation was discovered in another large section of rock adjacent to where the rockslide occurred.  In addition to clean-up from Monday’s slide, the contractor will also drill and blast the unstable rock wall.  This additional work is anticipated to take several days to complete.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, TDOT hopes to reopen SR 16 on Friday, April 12, 2013. 

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.

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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