Not good news for MOTD 2010

[bamamini02]

http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/US129rockslide/default.htm   

[jst4fun]

Should not really effect us at all. It's on the TN end of the Dragon, looks like all clear from the NC side.
Now we may have to come in the long way from AL, but that just means more twisty roads before we get there on Wednesday.
Ya neva know, they may have it cleaned up by then as well. 

[bamatt]

I don't think that's on the actual "tail" of the dragon so yeah y'all will have to drive the long way in the day you arrive but it won't effect your tail ridin while there 

[bamamini02]

From what I read, they closed it at the state line (Deals Gap).  The slide is actually near the Foothills Parkway entrance. But because of its location and the lack of emergency services that can respond to the area, they closed the entire "Dragon".  The last thing I read, said they may have it opened as early as mid April.   

[bamatt]

Hopefully they will have it open soon.  The Tail of the Dragon site is reporting many closures & rockslides all over the place.  Here is some surprise footage a news crew got while filming a rockslide on some road.  Some people are such dumbasses.  Glad it wasn't me 

[bamamini02]

good thing the dog was ok.   

[bamamini02]

This is the latest posted on Tail of the Dragon - facbook:


Tail of the Dragon
Just received a clarrification for the TNDOT Public Information Officer regarding the September 1 date. The date is an ESTIMATED date. The contract for clearing the slide will be awarded on Monday (3/29), at that time a more accurate opening date will be posted. TNdot DOES SAY it should take several months to clear the slide. We will post as soon as we hear update[/color][/size]

[bamatt]

OMG it would suck for it to be closed during MOTD.  Yes there are other fun roads to drive but they are NOT the dragon 

[bamamini02]

Our problem is, we do not have accommodations at Fontana Village.  last year we stayed at Townsend and drove over by way of the Foothills Parkway.  If they don't open the road, we won't be able to go unless we find somewhere else on the NC side.

[bamatt]

You should be able to stay in or near Robbinsville.  You can get to Fontana via 29

[bamamini02]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Work to clear a rockslide that closed U.S.-129/SR-115 is expected to begin early April. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will let an emergency contract to clear the slide on Monday, March 29. TDOT qualified two specialty contractors, Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. and Phillips & Jordan, Inc., to bid on the project. Both contractors offer specialized experience in rockslide clearance and stabilization that is needed to repair the substantial and complex slide on U.S.-129/SR-115.
 [/size]The emergency contract is expected to be awarded to one of the two specialty contractors on Monday, March 29 with work expected to begin no later than April 5. This will allow contractors time to transport specialized equipment to the site of the slide in Blount County.
[/size]http://tailofthedragon.com/maps/SlidesMap.jpg

[bamatt]

Looks like it's def gonna be closed for MOTD.  Now the tail site says TN DOT is saying it may reopen by July 31st (or September 1st)     That sucks.  At least that takes away some of the pain of me not being able to go to MOTD.

[bamamini02]

You need to go on this Blue Ridge Parkway drive in June!!!

[bamamini02]

Fontana Village called me today. I was on their wish list in case of cancellations. Said they have cabins available. If anyone is interested.

[jst4fun]

Coolbeans, that means you both will be closer to us. We are in the Poolside rooms at the hotel. Getting MODs done to Coop as we speak, plus getting a new front bumper after someone hit and ran one night at the apartment complex. Can't wait to do it this year for some odd reason.

[bamamini02]

Maybe things are looking up.  They said they might get the Dragon opened from the TN state line to the rock slide. One way in and one way out.

[bamamini02]

That would mean no TRUCKS!!

[bamatt]

That is good news!! & no trucks would be great too