NCDOT: Stretch of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge closed indefinitely
By Melanie Vásquez Russell,
1 days ago
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Travelers between East Tennessee and western North Carolina will continue to take alternate routes in the aftermath of Helene . The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said Monday a stretch of Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge would remain closed indefinitely as efforts to repair parts of the interstate damaged by Hurricane Helene late last month continue.
Crews started operations in the Gorge last week, NCDOT said on Monday, with a temporary shoring operation underway to save what was left of the westbound lanes. Crews will drill soil nails in order to stabilize the westbound lanes, NCDOT said.
“This temporary shoring operation will attempt to save the remainder of westbound lanes in sections where eastbound lanes slid into the river gorge,” NCDOT spokesman David Uchiyama said. “Around the time this operation concludes, plans for a larger and complete repair will be in progress. NCDOT and Federal Highway officials will determine the potential use of the remaining lanes.”
A company out of Bradley County, Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, Tenn. earned the contract, according to NCDOT, while GSI from Colorado is the sub-contractor. The contract is worth approximately $10 million and includes incentives for completing work before Jan. 4, 2025.
As for Tennessee’s side near the damage along I-40, TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi said on Monday that a reopening date for the two lanes of travel was still unknown.
“We do not have a day yet,” Nagi stated via email. “Remember, this would be one lane in each direction in I-40 in Cocke County but stops at the TN/NC state line. This is meant for local traffic.”
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