TDOT investing millions to fix Northeast Tenn. potholes left by winter storm

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has increased its repaving efforts in Northeast Tennessee and across the state.

According to TDOT, crews are continuing to address lingering potholes caused by January’s intense winter storm. TDOT has invested an additional $15 million for 121 projects across Tennessee.

Of those projects, 28 are taking place in Region 1, which encompasses Northeast Tennessee. TDOT has allocated $3.3 million for the pavement repair efforts in Region 1.

TDOT provided photos of repaving efforts on Highway 70N in Hawkins County on Monday and on State Route 93 in Greene County Wednesday.

The extra funds came as a result of the department accelerating its Transportation Modernization Act money to boost its resources. A news release from TDOT states crews would not be able to permanently fix so many potholes without the additional funding.

Thanks to the warmer temperatures, TDOT stated asphalt plants will regularly produce the hot mix needed for repairs. A majority of the projects will entail milling, which involves removing the top layer of a roadway and paving it with fresh asphalt.

TDOT will also perform concrete rehabilitation at two bridges in East Tennessee.

The department advised that there will be some short-term traffic delays in project areas and asked drivers to be patient and keep an eye out for crews. TDOT hopes to conduct repaving when travel volume is low.

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