NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Slope stabilization and repair work is still underway on the area of I-24 eastbound in northwest Davidson County that is currently closed following a landslide the night of February 23.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) says the contractor is on schedule to open the roadway on Friday, March 15.
On Thursday, the contractor began paving operations that will allow TDOT to safely open the roadway to traffic while the slope repair continues for the next 2-3 months.
Crews are widening the existing roadway 12-15 feet for approximately three-quarters of a mile to accommodate traffic while construction continues behind concrete barrier rail.
TDOT estimates the total cost of roadway modifications to open I-24 eastbound on March 15 and make permanent slope repairs is approximately $8 million.
Crews have removed approximately 25,000 cubic yards of soil from the area and placed 25,000 tons of shot rock and graded solid rock since slope stabilization and repair work started last Monday, February 25.
The landslide at mile marker 42 occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday, February 23. Traffic on I-24 eastbound is currently being diverted onto Old Hickory Boulevard at Exit 40 and routed to I-65.
About Slides and Rockfalls in Tennessee
· Because of the geological and soil conditions, as well as general terrain, slides and rockfalls are common in Middle and East Tennessee.
· Common triggers for slides and rockfalls are extended periods of wet weather and/or the freezing and thawing of water, and they typically occur in winter and early spring.
· Potential slides and rockfalls are nearly impossible to predict with any accuracy.
· TDOT budgets $3 million annually to address rockfall and slide issues, and often seeks federal disaster assistance to assist in covering the cost of major slides or rockfalls.