Final part of I-40 rock slide work starts

Final work has started to remove tons of rocks that fell on Interstate 40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line.
The rockslide on the North Carolina side of the road Oct. 25 blocked the highway in both directions, leaving motorists with long detours.
The Charlotte Observer reported it’s expected to be March before the interstate reopens.
Crews on Monday are to start 24-hour-a-day operations to drill holes for 590 rock bolts. The bolts can be more than 4 inches wide and the holes will be up to 120 feet deep. Van Denton with the state Department of Transportation says the rods should keep the rocks from moving.
When the bolts are in place, crews will haul away debris and then repair damaged asphalt and a battered concrete barrier between the east and west lanes.