May 21, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Construction crews have begun working to clear Interstate 40 West in Cocke Co. TDOT warns drivers to be awaare of possible rolling roadblocks on I-40 east starting at mile marker 440.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) awarded the emergency contract to remove debris and unstable rock to Phillips and Jordan, Inc., which plans on dividing the project into two phases. First, they will remove the fallen rocks and then they will secure the mountainside so it doesn't happen again. TDOT said there is a strong chance that the first part will be finished by six a.m. on Monday, February 6.
Right now, the westbound lanes of the interstate remain closed at Mile Marker 451.
TDOT said it received bids from four different contractors, choosing Phillips and Jordan, Inc. of Knoxville after it submitted the lowest bid of $59,350.
Drivers traveling on I-40 West are advised to take I-240 West (Exit 53B) in Asheville to I-26 West (Exit 4A) to I-81 South (Exit 8A) back to I-40 West.
The detour route is approximately 55 miles.
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