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[DavidB]

MARYVILLE - The popular roadway known as the Dragon will remain closed for many more weeks and perhaps until end the end of July, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

TDOT spokeswoman Yvette Martinez said today the department's goal is to reopen the section of U.S. Highway 129 in Blount County by July 31.

A rockslide prompted its closure March 14.

The department said today it will let an emergency contract Monday to clear debris from the two-lane road. TDOT has qualified two contractors to bid for the project: Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. and Phillips & Jordan, Inc.

Clean-up would begin April 5.

Martinez said TDOT plans at least in the short-term of keep all lanes closed during the work.

The slide, just south of the highway's junction with the Foothills Parkway, occurred just as traffic by motorcyclists and thrill-seekers was about to pick up.

The Dragon is an international favorite with bikers and sport car enthusiasts because it has 318 curves in an 11-mile, mountainside route.

The southbound lane was reopened briefly after the slide but was closed again because of safety concerns.

Geologists have examined the hillside.

More details as they become available online and in Friday's News Sentinel.

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[Georgehjr]

WOW, glad I went last Sept.   There is Big Bike Rally in Knoxville, TN--- Mid June that was counting on that for attraction 

[SBB]

From the NC side to the store to the overlook is still open I think.
David please let me know if that's correct.
So we don't have to worry about big rigs coming on the dragon from the tenn side?

So unless I'm missing something the ride to Deals Gap is still on for April 20th.
At least I hope it is.

SBB

[DavidB]

Un fortunately  as of right now the dragon is closed from the TN/NC state line, about 1/4 up the hill from the Deals Gap store, to the Foothills parkway in Tn. , an 18 mile section which includes the over look at Calderwood lake.The THP is stationed at the state line 24 hrs a day. There are current negotiations going on with NC to proved emergency services to the Dragon because no ambulance can get there from from Blount county where the Dragon is actually located.     

The owner of the store in NC is working hard to get services provided . He has daily progress on his web sight.  www.dealsgap.com .

I sent you a PM with my number.
Dave

[ual767plt]

Contract completion date is 31 July.   

[DavidB]

There is still a lot of good riding left in th area. Cherohala Parkway, 441, Foothills Parkway , Blueridge ect.

[ual767plt]

So true, David.  BTW, is the Foothills Pkwy section to Pigeon Forge now open?

[DavidB]

So true, David.  BTW, is the Foothills Pkwy section to Pigeon Forge now open?

The section to Pigeon Forge is still waiting for a bridge to be built. Its going to rival the tall curving bridge on the
Blueridge parkway. Seems Obama had another plan for the federal funds.  

[porthole]

Wonder why they don't leave it open to Calderwood Lookout for the tourist at least.

For the adventurous you "could" go up to Cades Cove and sneak down Parsons Branch Rd to the Dragon

[CBW]

that sucks 

[JeffsHogPen]

This is sad......I have a Cabin already paid for in Gatlinburg July 10-18. I was planning to ride the Dragon along with all the other roads around. I guess its every road around except the Dragon......I sure was looking forward to the Dragon too.

[cash338]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation today awarded Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. an emergency contract to begin working to stabilize, remove debris and repair damage caused by a rockslide on U.S. 129/SR-115.  The slide, which occurred on March 14, 2010, completely blocked U.S. 129 near the Chilhowee Dam in Blount County, Tennessee.

 

Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. submitted the low bid of $1.99 million.  Crews with Pacific Blasting are beginning to mobilize equipment and personnel and will begin work on the complex slide removal and stabilization project no later than April 5, 2010.  Phillips and Jordan, Inc. was the only other pre-qualified contractor and submitted a bid of $2.65 million.

 

The rockslide project on U.S. 129/SR-115 is estimated to be completed by July 31, 2010.  However, TDOT is providing an incentive of $6,500 per day for the contractor to complete work and reopen the roadway before July 31, 2010.  If the project is totally complete by July 1, 2010 the contractor will receive the full incentive of $195,000.  Failure to complete the project and reopen the roadway by July 31 will result in a disincentive of $6,500 per day until work is completed.

 

TDOT continues to work with agencies and interested parties in Tennessee and North Carolina regarding the closure of a stretch of U.S. 129/SR-115 between the slide and the North Carolina state line known as “The Dragon.”  TDOT is working to determine an amicable solution for both businesses and emergency needs and is hopeful that some arrangement can be reached whereby portions of the route can be reopened.  At this time, however, detours remain in place from the slide area to the NC state line.

 

TDOT has created a web page for information on the rock slide which can be found at www.tn.gov/tdot by clicking on the link “Rockslide Closures” at the top of the page.  Motorists can find detour maps for all rockslides currently effecting travel in Tennessee.  TDOT will also use the site to communicate updates on the project to stabilize and clear the U.S. 129 slide.


Here is the people that we all need to write to possibly get them to open the road up to the closure instead of the TENN line.


TN Governor:
Governor Phil Bredesen
Governor's Office
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-0001
Phone: 615.741.2001
Fax: 615.532.9711
Phil.Bredesen@tn.gov

 
TN US Congressman:
Congressman John J Duncan JR
2207 Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-5435
Fax: 202-225-6440
http://www.house.gov/writerep

[Talon]

Glad we don't wait that long to get the roads cleared out here, we'd never get anywhere!! 

[JeffsHogPen]

Maybe they can be finished by July 10-18.....I might still get to ride the Dragon.....Wohoo!!!!!!!!!

[cash338]

The more folks that write and complain about the 13 miles that don't need to be closed, maybe the roadblocks can be moved.  This would keep the local tourism/economy in better shape than if the keep it closed at the line.  Write the TN congressman, and Governor.    Keep up the pressure............Scot