Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews from GeoStabilization International have completed a slope stabilization project on a section of U.S. 127 (Signal Mountain Boulevard) in Hamilton County near log mile 15.97.
Permanent repairs have been made to an area of roadway that exhibited signs of instability that were very concerning to TDOT geologists and engineers.
Since the repairs began in late July, U.S. 127 has been reduced to one lane and traffic has been controlled with a temporary signal.
While the work was underway and the work zone was in place, TDOT geotechnical engineers assessed the area to see if there are other repairs that could be made while GSI is on site. They found two nearby locations that need attention.
The two additional locations are not as critical as the location GSI just completed, but because GSI is in the area and drivers are accustomed to the one-lane traffic pattern, TDOT has asked GSI to make repairs to one of the two nearby locations before they leave the area for the winter.
Only one of the locations is being addressed at this time because TDOT wants to be sure the work can be completed and the road repaved before cold weather sets in. The new location on which GSI will be working is slightly north of the current site.
Work on the second location is slated for completion the first week of December. The same soil-nail repair technique used at the first location will be used on the project.
Next spring, GSI will repair the other location targeted by TDOT geotechnical engineers. In the meantime, TDOT maintenance crews will pave the location to seal any cracks that could cause problems during the winter, and they will continue to regularly monitor the area for any changes.
Source: TDOT