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TDOT: Crews work to repair sinkhole on Alcoa Highway; lane closures to stay in place until Saturday morning

The sinkhole is located on northbound Alcoa Highway near the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Crews will be placing a pavement patch Friday afternoon.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation are working to repair a sinkhole on Alcoa Highway that will cause traffic issues into Friday.

The sinkhole is located on northbound Alcoa Highway near the University of Tennessee Medical Center, according to a tweet from TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi. TDOT said the sinkhole is approximately 10 feet deep and 16 feet wide, but the bedrock itself was approximately 50 feet deep.

The middle lane, right lane and right shoulder were closed Thursday morning. TDOT said the lane closures are expected to remain in place until Saturday morning. 

TDOT recommends those traveling northbound on Alcoa Highway utilize Pellissippi Parkway to I-40 East as an alternate route.

TDOT crews will be placing a pavement patch on the sinkhole Friday afternoon. TDOT said the patch will need time to cool before temporary pavement markings will be applied. Because of ongoing roadwork in that area Friday night, lanes will remain closed until Saturday night. 

TDOT said they plan to repave to more permanent standards on Wednesday, May 4 depending on weather.

TDOT is asking drivers to use extreme caution as workers will be present.

This situation is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more. 

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