The Tennessee Department of Transportation says State Route 85 between Sandy Road to East Obey Lane in Fentress County will be closed until at least May of 2021 for rockfall mitigation. Officials say that stretch of road is prone to landslides and rocks coming down onto the highway. Crews will work in the next few months to correct the issue. Detours are already placed in Monterey and Clarkrange for motorists.

Active mitigation is necessary when there’s a real danger of falling rocks. The designed rockfall protection systems must be capable of absorbing the impact of the falling rock. It also must be able to contain it in such a way as to reduce danger and present safeguards for people and property.