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TDOT: Both lanes of Highway 321 back open near Townsend after months-long closure

TDOT had to close a section of the highway after a rockslide in February.

TOWNSEND, Tenn. — Updated Story (7/1/19):  Both lanes of Highway 321 in Blount County between Walland and Townsend are back open after having been closed for months for repairs.

Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Mark Nagi said the construction contractor should be done with paving this week and that all other work is now complete on the project.

 A rockslide had caused one lane to be closed back in February while repairs were made. 

Original Story (2/21/19): TDOT will be temporarily closing one lane on a section of East Lamar Alexander Parkway in Blount County after wet conditions caused yet another landslide that covered both lanes with rocks, dirt and debris.

The Blount County Sheriff's Office said it had to close the section of highway at Hatchers Cut between Walland and Townsend for a fourth time Thursday so crews could clear it again.

TDOT said it will be closing one lane of the highway because of the continued slides. A traffic signal is being set up and a barrier rail will be installed Friday along the section of highway. 

TDOT said it will continue to monitor the road 24/7. 

Authorities say people traveling between Walland and Townsend should use Old Walland Highway instead until the road reopens. 

The first slide happened overnight Monday at the same section.

Officials shut down that section of Hwy. 321 for several hours as they worked to clear the debris and make sure the slope was stabilized.

Around 7 p.m. Monday, the road had to be closed a second time when more rocks and mud fell onto the highway. It took roughly an hour to clear it. It's been closed two other times since for the same reason.

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