CAMPBELL COUNTY, Tenn. — Campbell County leaders said a stretch of I-75 running through the community has continually seen tire blowouts from vehicles trying to head both south and north. They said potholes and inclement weather are to blame for the road's condition.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation said the stretch of highway sees a lot of truck traffic and severe weather during the winter, and said crews are often patching potholes there. The department also said it will continue to monitor the road.
Jellico Mayor Sandy Terry said there is consistent damage to both sides of the highway, between Caryville and Jellico. She also said drivers who experience car trouble on the stretch of road are attended to by the Jellico Rescue Squad. Terry also said on Wednesday, 14 cars were taken out by potholes.
She said the squad usually acts as a "Band-Aid" for the situation, often redirecting traffic and helping stranded drivers find a way home while also responding to other calls for help.
"They need to be very cautious driving through there and pay attention to the potholes. I know it's hard when you've got 18-wheelers flying beside you, but you do need to use caution when coming through there. And, like I said, TDOT and Rogers Groups is working to try to get that problem fixed," she said.
A full statement from TDOT about the condition of I-75 in Campbell County is available below.
"I-75 in Campbell County sees its share of truck traffic. That is an area which gets more winter weather than other parts of the region. We have crews patching potholes on that stretch of roadway quite often. We had crews out there a couple of days ago. TDOT will continue to monitor that roadway, as we do all interstates and state routes."