WHITES CREEK, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) held a press conference Wednesday to address repairs and cleanup of debris on I-24 eastbound due to a rock slide.
Update on I24 Landslide, Davidson Co.: *Goal* is to have 2 temporary lanes open by March 15. **Weather Dependent** pic.twitter.com/QJElLabmnd
— myTDOT (@myTDOT) February 27, 2019
Over the next two weeks, a TDOT contractor will be working on an accelerated schedule to remove the unstable material that is threatening to fall onto the interstate. Concurrently, crews will be widening the existing roadway 12-15 feet for approximately three-quarters of a mile. The widening work will allow for two narrowed travel lanes while also providing room for the contractor to continue work to stabilize the slope and remove material.
The muddy conditions around the area have made it extremely difficult to maneuver heavy equipment at the top of the slope. Because the slope is still sliding, crews also have to exercise extreme caution as they work. The area is forecasted to get more rain in the coming days, which could impact the contractor’s schedule.
The complete slope repair will require approximately 50,000 cubic yards of dirt and debris to be removed from the site, and another 50,000 cubic yards of rock to be brought in to stabilize the area.
Traffic on I-24 eastbound is currently being diverted onto Old Hickory Boulevard at Exit 40 and routed to I-65.
TDOT will provide further updates on the road widening and slope repair status next week.
The landslide at mile marker 42 occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday, February 23.
Commuters coming from Clarksville are taking a detour on Ashland City Highway to get around the rock slide. Ashland City police tell News 2 they have a plan to keep traffic moving between 6 – 8:30 a.m. by turning off traffic lights along Hwy 12 and posting officers along the routes.
ICYMI: I-24 EB is closed @ OHB north of Nashville. We don’t have a firm estimate for re-opening at this time, but drivers should plan for the closure to be in place at least a week. Once a repair schedule is confirmed, we will provide updated information. https://t.co/YKpKLWAjZu pic.twitter.com/hEMSHOFOCL
— Kathryn Schulte (@SchulteTDOT) February 24, 2019
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.