Rock Slide Project Awarded to clear the dragon! 1.9 Million $

[ZGN]

According to TN Department of Transportation a contract was won by Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. with a $1.99 million bid to remove the rock slide on US129

Full info below:
http://www.openus129.com/?p=90

[War Eagle]

"TDOT is working with agencies and concerned parties in TN and NC regarding the closure of “The Dragon.” TDOT is working to come up with a workable solution for businesses and emergency needs and we are hopeful that some arrangement can be reached to open the Dragon ASAP!"

Let's hope that happens before April 15th!

[ZGN]

Just added photos to the site... http://www.openus129.com/?page_id=99

If anyone has any more photos or video let me know.. Would be nice to have a few photos of the barricade that blocks the dragon

[bop_rocco]

This is prob the same info

Knoxville News-Sentinel Link (http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/30/clearing-rockslide-dragon-cost-2-million/?partner=yahoo_feeds)

TOWNSEND — State officials have let a nearly $2 million contract to clear the rockslide on U.S. 129 that has closed a section of road popular with motorcyclists called “The Dragon.”

Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. won the contract with a $1.99 million bid. The other qualified bidder was Phillips and Jordan, Inc., which submitted a $2.65 million bid, according to a release from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

The road was closed March 14 to all traffic because of a rockslide near the Chilhowee Dam in Blount County. TDOT estimated the road would be closed until July 31, but is offering incentives to get the route opened sooner.

If workers can get the road open by July 1, Pacific Blasting Demolition can collect a total of $195,000 incentive based on paying $6,500 for each day prior to July 31 the work is completed early. Conversely, the company faces daily penalties of $6,500 for each day beyond July 31 the work is not finished, according to TDOT.

TDOT said crews should begin working no later than April 5.

TDOT officials said they will continue to seek ways to get part of the roadway open during the cleanup in order to alleviate the financial strain business along the route will suffer during the closure.

Several businesses have cropped up to cater to motorcyclists who come from around the world to ride the road in Blount County that offers more than 300 curves along an 11-miles stretch of road between Tennessee and North Carolina.

More details as they develop online and in Wednesday’s News Sentinel.

[ZGN]

yep, tnx