SR 16 in Franklin County to Remain Closed for Approximately Two More 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 on Monday, March 25, 2013.  Originally it was thought that the roadway could safely be reopened to traffic by April 12, 2013, but unforeseen events have pushed the schedule back by two weeks.

TDOT contract crews are currently addressing several unstable areas on the slopes where additional cracking and separation was discovered in a large section of rock adjacent to the rockslide site.  The additional work is expected to be complete by Friday, April 26, 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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For more information contact:
Jennifer A. Flynn
TDOT Region Two Community Relations Officer
Jennifer.Flynn@tn.gov
Office 423-510-1164