Bypass route to be constructed on Wednesday

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares a before (above) and after photo from Eagle I.

This section of the Ivydale trestle has been secured until it can be replaced next week.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – CSX crews and assisting crews have been working since Saturday securing the damaged areas of the Ivydale train trestle. It, the trestle, has prompted major safety concerns and as a result, a section of the trestle will be replaced early next week, according to one official.

The City of La Follette’s portion of Ivydale Road runs to the trestle and picks up as a county road on the other side of the trestle. City of La Follette Administrator Stan Foust and Campbell Road Superintendent Ron Dilbeck have talked about a bypass for Mon., Tue. or Wed. (June 3-4-5) around the Ivydale trestle project.  The bypass will be put in place today ahead of next week’s work.

See the full photo gallery HERE from WLAF’s Charlie Hutson.

The trestle is estimated to be a shade under 50-feet high.

Several cars of a southbound CSX train left the track late Saturday morning tearing up track for the better part of two miles. Officials point to a failing Ivydale trestle that likely triggered the derailment.

The trestle is estimated to be well more than a hundred years old.

A new steal beam is being fabricated and will replace a whole section of the trestle. “The CSX folks have told us they will set the new section in place on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Our crews will develop a bypass around the construction area on Wednesday so residents can come and go during the construction,” said Campbell County Road Superintendent Ron Dilbeck.

An up top look of the Ivydale trestle on Tuesday afternoon.

The construction crew is willing to work with those who travel under the trestle. When next week’s construction begins, there may still be a few delays.

A look back toward Jellico Highway (Hwy 25W).

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/29/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

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