KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Department of Transportation worked with a subcontractor on the blasting portion of the Alcoa Highway project to remove dirt and rock from a hillside. TDOT officials said this is a necessary step to complete the project.

“This is a very complicated project. It’s something that has a lot of moving parts. “Anytime you use explosives, you must exercise extreme caution not only toward motorists, but also toward those at work,” said TDOT spokesman Mark Nagi.

During the demolition, TDOT is receiving assistance from local law enforcement to set up rolling roadblocks along Alcoa Highway. This increases the time for drivers to travel, but Nagi said it was necessary to do this during the demolition.

“We’re trying to make sure people get to and from their destination as safely and efficiently as possible,” Nagi said. “The rolling roadblocks, which typically last 15 to 20 minutes, are designed to ensure the safety of motorists.”

Motorists and travelers are feeling the impact of traffic and rolling roadblocks. This also includes students from the University of Tennessee.

“If you use this as a route to work or school, you typically have to expect disruptions,” said UT student Will Dommermuth.

Dommermuth also spoke of having to wait on the ramp for at least 15 minutes to get from his apartment to Alcoa Highway. He said it could cause problems and delays to classes and events on campus.

“It’s frustrating when you have to go to class and have exams, so you really have to be careful when you take the bus,” Dommermuth said.

Nagi said this is necessary for safety reasons and asks people to plan rolling roadblocks accordingly.

“If you are going to the UT campus or the airport, whatever it may be, allow yourself some time to travel to and from your destination,” Nagi said.

The blasting portion of the project is between Cherokee Trail and Woodson Drive, south of the UT Medical Center. The plan calls for expanding Alcoa Highway to three lanes in both directions and adding two new bridges and roundabouts.

Nagi said the entire Alcoa Highway project is expected to cost $180 million.

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