MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. — For several days, a large boiler hauled by an even larger truck has been stuck in Morgan County, unable to navigate the winding narrow roads. At some points, the truck transporting the boiler has caused traffic backups.
Morgan County Executive Brian Langley said on May 24 that the company hauling the boiler submitted a new plan to the Tennessee Department of Transportation. However, he said TDOT rejected the plan because the proposed route was "simply not doable."
He said the current plan involves moving the boiler to Oak Ridge and transporting it the remaining distance by barge.
The boiler weighs around 390,000 lbs., making it a "superload." Langley said on May 17 that TDOT was not aware that it was traveling state roads until it broke down in Morgan County. He said TDOT Region 1 Director Steve Borden estimated around $30,000 in damage was down to roads, road signs and guardrails within the region.
