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SR 66 and SR 70 reopen in Hawkins County nearly a year after landslides

TDOT said slide repairs have been completed on State Route 66 to 70 to the point where all lanes have been reopened to the public.

State Route 66 and State Route 70 have both reopened nearly a full year after closing for landslide repairs from February's historic rain levels.

After months of setbacks and unexpected stability issues, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said SR 66 had reopened to the public as of Nov. 26.

RELATED: Hawkins County mudslide repairs pushed back again, will cost at least $1.5 million more

SR 70N reopened Dec. 4. TDOT said once the highway is reopened, drivers will still need to plan ahead for one-lane roadway conditions with a traffic signal at the top of the mountain as road work will still be happening. 

TDOT said it will work to keep one lane open throughout the construction process. 

People living in the area have had to take long 40-mile detour for months. The road projects have been impacting local schools. Clinch Elementary School switched to a four-day week in September to adjust.

RELATED: Long landslide repairs force Hawkins Co. school to four-day week

RELATED: TDOT pushes back reopening of Highway 70 to late fall after fatal February landslides in Hawkins County

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