... and it's quite possible that they won't have a "final" decision on that until the boulder/overhang is actually removed. If *I* were the state DOT geologist called in to look at it... and I knew that if I said "aw, that don't need no stabilizing measures" and I was wrong and there was later another slide... I think I'd err on the side of caution...
Oh man, you're right. I have some colleagues who are responsible for making the call on whether to evacuate whole towns when a volcano shows signs of unrest. That's a tough job. :frown2:
Perhaps alternative routes to Fontana/Robbinsville should be posted...just in case. There are a lot of folks who aren't familiar with the area and we don't want them to get lost..
Good idea Katie...maybe we can wait a week or so and see how the work progesses. I can maybe toss something in the downloadable event guide if need be.
Hmmmmm. That seems a little overly cautious... It's not *that* close to the dam. But (thank God) I'm not a civil engineer.
I encourage everyone to still attend MOTD; you WILL have a great time no matter if you get to drive the Dragon or not. The road may be cleared by then. If the Dragon is not reopened by then, I suggest to everyone not spend a dime in Tennessee. Fill up and eat a meal before crossing into TN. Do the rest of your business while there in NC. And be sure to let the Gov. of TN know that he is not getting a penny from the MINIs. I think it would also be a good idea to let other car clubs know, Miatas, Cobras, Porsches etc. If we all write to the TN Gov and let him know of our plans, this may or may not change things, but it will get their attention. Please POLITELY write, call or e-mail the TN Governor, Phil Bredesen, convey your intentions and respectfully ask him to reconsider closing the section of 129 known as The Dragon and please reopen it. Governor's Office Tennessee State Capitol Nashville, TN 37243-0001 Phone:... 615.741.2001 Fax: 615.532.9711 Email: [email protected]
Please send a note of thanks to SEN John Snow, he has been the first to respond to the situation and is working hard on our behalf to get the Dragon reopened to the slide area. He has been very diligent on this and we need to let him know we appreciate it. [email protected] Thank you!!!!
Created a form letter with the help of Mol that can be sent to the gov. See Letter to TN Gov Feel free to use as is or edit to your liking.
I'm not completely clear on this. The slide looks to be on the TN side, north of the line, but the Dragon seems to be on the NC side to the TN line. If the TN side is closed at the slide, can't the part on the NC side still be driven to the TN line? Then turn around and go back. Jim
Depends on what part you call "The Dragon" The vast majority of what most folks call "The Dragon" is on the TN side of the line.
Most folks consider the Dragon to start at the Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort - where NC 28 T's into US129. Then it goes into TN either to the Overlook (the traditional end) or Tabcat bridge (what I consider the "end" to be). The slide is further north off this map, along Chilhowee Lake.
The Dragon is officially from Tabcat bridge to the Store, aka CROT (Cross Roads of Time). Locals now start making "passes" from the Overlook to the Store. It is 11 miles, 10 of which are in TN. There are no crossroads or driveways along this part of 129. More about the Dragon, see here: http://molly-smith.com/my-articles/the-dragon/what-is-the-dragon/
Now I got it. For some reason I thought it was on the NC side to the TN line, but it is actually from the NC line (or there abouts) into TN. The maps I've seen did not clearly note were the line was. Thanks, Jim
latest entry from Brad at Deals Gap: Ok folks more clarification and some encouraging news this morning on the US 129 rockslide. Clarification: The facts are the slide is just south of the foothills parkway so currently you can not get to the Gap from US129, TN72, Happy Valley or the foothills parkway. The Dragon is closed at the state line. It was Graham county not NC that has offered support to get the Dragon open but with all you emails the state is getting involved. Ok this morning I have several emails from TN as well as NC officials and am in the process of setting up a meeting with several agencies to see if we can get a mutual aid agreement between the two states that will allow the road to be reopened at least to Tabacat bridge so we can all still enjoy the road. I will tell you that so far all the responses from both Tn and NC have been positive and that is great. That is encouraging to me that the states seem willing to work together on this. So look at the top of the web page you will see our new "Save the Gap" link. We need emails of encouragement to all of our state reps. Let them know how much everyone would love to see the states work together on this and thank them for there support and work. We can not control nature and do not wish anyone hurt doing a rush job on a clean up. But our government is supposed to work together like they are now and fix the things they can control like where the road block is placed.