I-40 Rockslide update

Engineers and geologists from the N.C. Department of Transportation, as well as representatives from contractor Phillips & Jordan and subcontractor Janod Contractors, met today and determined that the rock removal process will begin from the bottom edges of the slide rather than using the top-down approach. This decision was based on analysis and surveying performed since the rockslide occurred on Oct. 25.

The new plan was developed based on the nearly 500,000 cubic yards of rock, which may approach 1 million tons, that have to be removed from the slide area and the difficulty of building a temporary ramp to the top of the slide. By working at the side of the slide, this approach will create room for any hanging rocks to come down.

The boulders at the bottom are being blasted and broken into more manageable pieces that can be hauled away. The plan will continue to be evaluated to ensure safety.

Another blast was detonated today to bring down more of the overhanging rocks along the slopes. Nearly 1,000 pounds of explosives were used in the blast.