Marion County drivers are facing delays on I-24 West due to a rockslide that occurred close to mile marker 137 this past Tuesday. In response to the incident, crews from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) launched an operation to secure the area and ensure the safety of motorists traveling through the region. The quick action from TDOT allowed for the middle and left lanes to reopen; however, the right lane has been kept closed as residual unstable rock poses a risk.
After continual observation of the rockslide site, TDOT concluded that more extensive rockfall mitigation efforts are in order. Starting Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 a.m., TDOT has arranged for contractors to install robust concrete barriers and remove the unstable rock, which will cause I-24 West to condense down to one lane for several hours, during barrier installation, "TDOT remains focused on safety and efficiency, aiming to restore full access as quickly as possible," according to a statement obtained from the TDOT press release.
While the efforts to stabilize the slope continue, traffic will be allowed through two lanes. TDOT crews will execute scaling operations in the right lane and outside shoulder, potentially causing intermittent roadblocks contingent on site conditions. This part of the strategy is to ensure the roadway is sufficiently secure before they can consider a permanent resolution to prevent future incidents.
The end goal for TDOT is to finalize a permanent repair solution that Geotechnical engineers will design once the immediate dangers are adequately mitigated. Until this solution is brought to fruition, the right lane is expected to remain closed. Motorists should be prepared for delays and are urged to exercise caution when passing through the work zones. The said work is subject to weather conditions, and schedules may shift due to rain or unforeseen challenges.
Travelers in the region are encouraged to plan by consulting TDOT’s motorist information tools for the latest travel conditions. Tennessee law also underscores the importance of driver attentiveness and highway worker safety, especially in zones where road work is ongoing. As decreed by Tennessee's Move Over Law, failure to shift lanes for highway workers and emergency vehicles may lead to penalties, including substantial fines and the possibility of jail time.
