I-75 TN/KY Border Closing

[AquaMan]

I'm posting this to hopefully keep abreast of the situation of the closing of I-75 in this area due to rock slide. All reports have been that it will be closed for several weeks. Has anyone used the detours? How are they for travel with an RV? North and South bound lanes have different detours also. I am scheduled to travel this route at the end of the month. Hopefully someone who has traveled this route will chime in.

[220Chap]

I've heard if you're southbound in a commercial sized vehicle you're being encouraged to exit at Corbin, KY exit 25 through Middlesboro in order to avoid narrow winding roads on/around Jellico Mountain.

[AquaMan]

Just found a new article on it. Evidently the contract has been awarded to a company for cleanup, which states that both southbound lanes must be open in 14 days and 1 northbound lane open in 21 days. Project to be completed by 4/15.

[downtime]

I'm keeping an eye on this as well because that is on our route and not an easy detour !!

[mbutts]

Dang! I'm going to do the southbound side on March 11th and returning on the 18th. Time to get out the maps.

[RussellReyn89]

Living near I-75 in KY the detour when going southbound onto 25e at exit 29 is a pretty decent detour. It is generally 45 - 55 mph with several traffic lights from Corbin through Middlesboro into the tunnel that takes you into TN. It has been sometime since I drove 25e on TN side but the best I remember it is much the same as the KY side and you aren't making great time using this detour! If you allow yourself ample time time knowing it isn't interstate speeds you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. Of course one must remember this detour will also be quite congested also. I much prefer 25e to driving I-75 as I-75 is so heavily traveled and accident prone I prefer the slower speeds even if there is the hassle of traffic lights and slower speeds.

[txredfish]

Also remember with that detour. I think it goes through a tunnel. If so, doesn't the LP have to be off to go through the tunnel?

[RussellReyn89]

Correct! There isn't much notice one needs to turn off the propane before the tunnel either. We usually pull off in Middlesboro for fuel and I leave ours off until we are well into VA as we usually turn left after the tunnel headed for Bristol Motor Speedway!


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[MOJO3150]

Why do you have to turn off your propane when driving thru a tunnel? Thanks.

[RussellReyn89]

Purely a safety precaution mandated by law is how I understand. They don't want to risk having vehicles inside with what they declare "hazardous" materials!

The tunnel is closed and tanker trucks must be escorted through individually! I think most all the regulations were scrutinized quite heavily post 911. Does everyone stop and turn their propane off? Highly doubt they do! There is intense debate over traveling with propane on or off while traveling. You will find much discussion on this topic everywhere.


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[downtime]

I can understand turning off the gas,my wife doesn't let me eat beans when we travel.

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by downtime

I can understand turning off the gas,my wife doesn't let me eat beans when we travel.

I just send them to the back of the motorhome and "toot" away.

[Nick M]

Looking at the map program on my iPad it has noted that 75 is closed and travelers should exit 75 north at Caryville onto 25W and re-enter 75 at Jellico.

Is this a viable route for a 40' fiver and long wheel base duelly?

I've traveled 25e multiple time in the last few years (without an RV) but this detour would be a somewhat out of our way but I know the route and would be comfortable with our fiver.

Suggestions?