On April 7, White County closed a portion of Highway 135, also known as Burgess Falls Road, because of a portion of the pavement deteriorating and collapsing.
According to County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson, the portion of the road, located approximately two miles west of Highway 111 near the Milk Plant Road crossroad, the portion of the road was over a concrete tunnel that allowed water to run under the road.
“The tunnel is square shaped and larger than a traditional culvert,” Robinson said. “The concrete has worn away, and the road is fallen in.”
Robinson said that, on April 8, Tennessee Department of Transportation visited the site to evaluate the situation.
“A company has been hired to repair the damage,” he said, adding that once the repairs begin, the process will take approximately three days. “Before they can begin work on the tunnel and the road, they have to evaluate the water flow. They will need to dam the waterway and pump it across the road while they are rebuilding.”
Robinson said he does not have a time frame for how long it will take the company to obtain the appropriate permits and prepare the area for the construction.
While the road had been closed after the initial damage, Highway 135 is now open but has been reduced to one lane, and a temporary traffic signal has been installed to control the flow of traffic until repairs can be made.
“Be extra aware and careful in this area,” Robinson warned motorists.
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