TDOT to Begin Sinkhole Repair on State Route 111 South near Soddy-Daisy in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, a sinkhole developed on SR-111 South near Soddy‑Daisy in Hamilton County due to the extremely heavy rainfall the area received.  The sinkhole is located on the shoulder and right lane on the downhill side of SR-111 South near the runaway truck ramp.  Currently the right lane and the shoulder are closed and will remain closed until repairs can be made.

On Wednesday evening a geologist from TDOT’s Geotechnical Engineering Section assessed the sinkhole and devised a repair plan.  The plan cannot be executed until the weather improves and the rain stops.  In the meantime, TDOT crews have filled the sinkhole with large rock to stabilize it and installed diversions near the sinkhole to minimize the amount of water that might enter into the sinkhole and erode it further.

If weather permits, TDOT crews will install barrier rail and begin excavating the sinkhole on Friday morning, September 28, 2018.  During excavation, TDOT will have a geologist on site to assess the work and define the limits of the repair.  After the area is successfully excavated, they will fill the area with new material and the roadway will be repaved.  It is not known how long the repair will take.

One lane of traffic is expected to remain open during this work.  In addition to performing the repair work, TDOT personnel will assist TDOT with traffic control.

This work is weather permitting.  If weather or unforeseen circumstances prevent this work from being done, it will be rescheduled to take place as soon as possible.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We don’t want to lose another member of our TDOT family. We’re asking you to WORK WITH US. To learn more, go to the website at https://www.tn.gov/tdot/work-with-us/.

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