KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Alcoa Highway has seen years of construction, but recently blasting activities have impacted traffic in the area. The blasting recently caused debris to fall into the roadway twice in the last month.
This section of highway where the work is happening can often see more than 37,000 motorists every day.
"This is just a massive project," said Mark Nagi, a Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson. "When you have blasting activities, there's always the possibility that some of those materials could end up in the roadway."
One way TDOT moves the land is by blasting terrain near the roads. Photos and videos shared by Nagi show debris scattered across the northbound lanes in May and once again on Tuesday.
"I'm glad that we have rolling roadblocks in place because if you did not have those in place, and you had debris on the road going when cars are passing through, then you could have crashes and things could really go awry," said Nagi.
Nagi said while the timing of the work may be inconvenient for drivers, it's the only time the work can be done.
"Unfortunately, work like this isn't something that we can do in the overnight hours, so it has to take place during the day. We make sure that blasting activities do not take place during morning rush hour, or during afternoon rush hour," said Nagi.
Some drivers, however, recognize the importance of the project TDOT is working on.
"I know the traffic's going to be really difficult at times because of all the construction work, but it's worth it. I mean, I've seen the results of how it's helping us," said Jill Stone, someone who often commutes through the high-traffic area.
Many of those commuters said there are plenty of other ways to get around the delays.
"I went to Pellissippi every single time. And then when I go east to Morristown or to Powell, I pretty much go John Sevier," said Stone. "I take several alternative routes like that to avoid it."
Nagi said the construction will take a break starting at noon on Wednesday as the department wants the roadways to be as open as they can for the holiday weekend. The work is expected to resume on Monday.