ROADS/BRIDGES: Rockslide shuts down I-75 for weeks

Feb. 29, 2016

Recent rainfall may have contributed to a rockslide along I-75 in Tennessee

A rockslide shut down both northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 in Campbell County, Tenn. The highway, located approximately 30  miles from the Kentucky border, will likely be closed for weeks to come as crews clean up debris that fell onto the road.

Environmental factors like a recent rainfall of 2 in. in the area may have contributed to the rockslide. Rockslides tend to occur when rocks sitting on a sloped plane have extra weight or water added to them causing them to slide down the slope.

No injuries or accidents due to the rockslide have been reported.

Motorists should prepare for a “long-term closure” Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesman Mark Nagi said. Northbound traffic is being diverted at exit 134 at Caryville and southbound traffic is being diverted at exit 160 at Jellico.