News Summary
A significant sinkhole measuring 12 feet wide and 20 feet deep was discovered at McGhee Tyson Airport, prompting the indefinite closure of a segment of Airport Loop Road. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for potential delays as traffic is rerouted. The sinkhole was caused by ongoing construction for a new parking garage, but crews quickly filled it with 70 cubic yards of concrete, allowing the road to reopen later that night. Safety evaluations are ongoing to ensure no further risks to airport operations.
KNOXVILLE – A significant sinkhole discovered at McGhee Tyson Airport on June 12 has led to the indefinite closure of a segment of Airport Loop Road that encircles the airport terminal building and garage. The sinkhole, measuring approximately 12 feet wide and 20 feet deep, was detected around 6:30 p.m. on the same day, prompting immediate action from airport officials and construction crews.
The closure of Airport Loop Road has necessitated the rerouting of traffic for travelers and visitors. As a precautionary measure, airport officials have advised passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their flights to accommodate potential delays caused by the disruption. Special directions for rerouted traffic, particularly for those approaching from Blount County and Knoxville, have also been issued.
Investigations by engineers and safety testers revealed that the sinkhole was caused by ongoing construction work related to the drilling of a support column for a new parking garage. In response to the emergency, crews from Messer Construction moved quickly to fill the sinkhole with approximately 70 cubic yards of concrete, requiring the use of seven to eight truckloads of material. By 11:30 p.m. on June 12, the repaired area had been deemed stable, allowing the road to be reopened to traffic later that night.
The location of the sinkhole is particularly noteworthy as it affected the zone where the former rental car return and Phone and Wait lot were situated. This area had previously been removed due to construction activities. Despite the sinkhole’s location, airport officials confirmed that there was no damage to the front curbs of the terminal, which is vital for passenger drop-offs and pickups.
As part of the response protocol, multiple crews were deployed to ensure the situation was managed efficiently and safely. Airport officials expressed their gratitude for the collaborative efforts made by various contractors and agencies that played a role in the swift resolution of the incident. Further evaluations of the repaired area are scheduled to confirm its ongoing safety, ensuring passengers and airport staff are not at risk.
This incident highlights the complexities involved in ongoing airport construction projects and the critical importance of rapid response measures to ensure public safety. While the immediate concern of the sinkhole was addressed successfully with minimal disruption, the event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that can arise during infrastructure development.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Road Around McGhee Tyson Airport Closed Due to Sinkhole
- WBIR: McGhee Tyson Airport Sinkhole
- Knox News: Sinkhole at McGhee Tyson Airport
- MSN News: Road Around McGhee Tyson Airport Closed Due to Sinkhole
- Wikipedia: Sinkhole
