Updated: 11/10/2009 11:26:56 AM
TDOT has announced the timeline for repairs along the chief detour around the massive I-40 rockslide in North Carolina.
Monday, it was announced that TDOT would have to close the I-81 bridges over Highway 11E for emergency repairs.
This Saturday, November 14, crews will begin work on the northbound bridge, closing it down at 10 p.m. TDOT hopes to reopen the bridge by 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
Next Saturday, crews will work on the southbound bridge, closing it down at 10 p.m., with hopes to reopen it by 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
During the closures, traffic will be diverted off I-81 at exit 23, across Highway 11E, and back onto I-81.
TDOT needs to make emergency repairs due to two cracks in a bridge beam on the northbound bridge and one crack in a bridge beam on the southbound bridge.
A construction crew performing maintenance on the bridge noticed the cracks. TDOT believes they developed sometime after the bridge's most recent inspection in July 2008.
The repairs will cost about $79,271 and will be added to contractor General Constructors, Inc.'s already existing contract. Crews will use full penetrating welding to fix the cracks; TDOT will use X-ray technology to be sure the cracks are completely fixed before allowing any traffic to cross the bridge.
Previous: TDOT to close part of I-81 along rockslide detour; short detour planned
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced emergency bridge repairs are needed on I-81 over 11E in Greene County (Map). The closure is expected to be short in time, and the detour will be short in distance.
The bridge repair detour will likely be a short one, using the on- and off-ramps near the site. Both directions will be affected.
The date for that closure has not yet been announced; TDOT plans to hold a press conference at the bridge on Tuesday.
However, TDOT hopes to complete the repairs in a day, if possible.
I-81 to I-26 is considered the primary detour for traffic headed around the rockslide, and it's the one suited for truck traffic.
A 10 News driving test, however, found that the Highway 25/70 route through Hot Springs, North Carolina is actually a faster drive, by about half an hour. Highway 441 is another option.
