Recently Completed

What's been accomplished

The $16 million restoration project for the Interstate 77 Big Walker Mountain and East River Mountain Tunnels was completed on time and within budget in early November 2008. 

The following major repairs were accomplished between May 2006 and November 2008: 

Big Walker Mountain Tunnel & East River Mountain tunnels
- Cleaned all tunnel drainage systems.
- Removed and replaced asbestos fire extinguisher cabinets with stainless steel cabinets.
- Removed and replaced damaged wall tiles on over 2,300 square feet of space inside the tubes.
- Addressed tunnel leaks.
- Removed and replaced the roadway curb tip throughout the tunnels.
- Installed a new barrier wall throughout the tunnel.
- Removed and replaced old handrail with new stainless steel handrail.
- Repaired sections of concrete on the tunnel walls and sidewalk.
- Inspected and removed deteriorated concrete from ventilation duct openings and expansion joints.

Big Walker Mountain Tunnel only
- Replaced a section of the tunnel ceiling damaged due to a vehicle fire.
- Improved and repaired drainage configuration at select locations.   

Contacts

Rob Griffith, P.E., 276-988-2566
Andy Fowler, 276-228-5571