Knox County Engineering and Public Works crews worked day and night through July to keep roads open and safe from 279 downed trees, 23 closed roads and 12 rock or mud slides.
Recent storms have been taking down trees and powerlines all over Knox County with the Powell area being hit the hardest. Storms closed many roads, and our crews worked diligently to get these roads open as quickly as possible.
“Knox County’s Engineering and Public Works crews are such an asset to this community, and I am grateful for the work they do in weather like this to keep the public safe,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “Time and time again, they’ve stepped up during snowstorms and heavy rain to keep the roads open.”
In addition to the trees blocking the roads, several road shoulders were washed away by flash flooding and heavy rains, exposing drains to further erosion. Crews quickly stabilized the hazards and will repair the drains as weather permits in the coming weeks.
“Our crews have been working around the clock for weeks, cutting trees and repairing roads due to the recent thunderstorms,” said Jim Snowden, senior director of Knox County Engineering and Public Works.”
Residents are reminded that downed trees, roadway hazards and sinkholes on county roads can be reported to 865-215-5800.
Storms bring extra work for EPW
Knox County Engineering and Public Works crews worked day and night through July to keep roads open and safe from 279 downed trees, 23 closed roads and 12 rock or mud slides.
Recent storms have been taking down trees and powerlines all over Knox County with the Powell area being hit the hardest. Storms closed many roads, and our crews worked diligently to get these roads open as quickly as possible.
“Knox County’s Engineering and Public Works crews are such an asset to this community, and I am grateful for the work they do in weather like this to keep the public safe,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “Time and time again, they’ve stepped up during snowstorms and heavy rain to keep the roads open.”
In addition to the trees blocking the roads, several road shoulders were washed away by flash flooding and heavy rains, exposing drains to further erosion. Crews quickly stabilized the hazards and will repair the drains as weather permits in the coming weeks.
“Our crews have been working around the clock for weeks, cutting trees and repairing roads due to the recent thunderstorms,” said Jim Snowden, senior director of Knox County Engineering and Public Works.”
Residents are reminded that downed trees, roadway hazards and sinkholes on county roads can be reported to 865-215-5800.
Rylie McClurg is communications and outreach coordinator for Knox County Engineering and Public Works. Reach her at 865-215-5869.