PIONEER (WATE) - Southbound traffic is being detoured from Interstate 75 in Campbell County to allow crews to repair damage done to the pavement.
The detour runs from Exit 144 to Exit 160.
One lane was closed Thursday at mile marker 143 near the Stinking Creek Road exit when Tennessee Department of Transportation crews discovered a crack along the right shoulder moving toward the outside lane.
The damage was the result of a shift in the embankment supporting the highway.
Geotechnical engineers brought in to assess the damage determined that both lanes needed to be closed.
TDOT spokesman Mark Nagi says there is no estimated time when the lanes will be reopened.
"There's no time frame as of right now," Nagi said. "The main thing to stress is that that road will not be reopened until we're sure that it's safe for travelers on our Tennessee roadways."
Officials suggest southbound motorists take an alternate route starting at Exit 160 in Jellico. Follow US 25W to LaFollette and return to I-75 South at Exit 134 in Caryville.
Wide loads will be required to exit I-75 South at Exit 160 in Jellico, turn right onto SR 297 West, then to SR 63. Trucks can return to I-75 South at Exit 141.
Geotechnical engineers brought in to assess the damage determined that both lanes needed to be closed.
