Updated: Landslide to keep I-24 closed through Mar. 15

It will be at least March 15th before you can take I-24 all the way to Nashville and high water will close portions of Land Between the Lakes this weekend.

A landslide near the 42 mile-marker closed the eastbound lanes of I-24 Saturday night and the Tennessee Department of Transportation says the landslide remains active.

TDOT says that over the next two weeks, a contractor will be working on an accelerated schedule to remove the unstable material that is threatening to fall onto the interstate. Concurrently, crews will be widening the existing roadway 12-15 feet for approximately three-quarters of a mile. The widening work will allow for two narrowed travel lanes while also providing room for the contractor to continue work to stabilize the slope and remove material.

The repair will require approximately 50,000 cubic yards of dirt and debris to be removed from the site, and another 50,000 cubic yards of rock to be brought in to stabilize the area.

Motorists heading from Hopkinsville to Nashville have had an approximate drive time of two hours during peak commute periods since an alternate route has been required.

Meanwhile, U.S. Forest Service officials at Land Between the Lakes warn visitors of rising lake levels that will close some campgrounds and impact trails. Piney Campground, Cravens Bay and Smith Bay will close Friday. Other campgrounds will have some restrictions.

Visitors are encouraged to exercise caution and use boat ramps at their own risk.