T.D.O.T. CREWS RESPOND IN AFTERMATH
OF STORM

July 26, 2003

NASHVILLE —Tennessee Department of Transportation crews worked quickly to make Memphis area interstates and state highways accessible and clear of debris and flooding, following severe storms that paralyzed Memphis rush-hour traffic this morning.

TDOT Public Information Officer Kim Keelor says late shift crews have been called in early to help with this morning’s damage. In order to ensure that there is enough manpower available to assist with the afternoon rush-hour commute, extra TDOT crews are on standby, as more storms are expected to move through the area tonight.

“Our help trucks are playing a vital role in assisting motorists in urban areas across the state in times of weather related traffic disruptions,” Keelor says. “In this case, our five Help trucks drivers are working along side TDOT construction crews using chain saws and towing equipment to help remove trees from Memphis roadways.”

Toppled trees and debris from several areas along I-40 and I-240 and on state highways in outlying Shelby County communities had to be removed.

TDOT’s facilities in Memphis are without electricity. The department’s Help truck dispatchers are working on back-up power supplies to stay in contact with crews in the field.

“We’re ready and able to help where we can in cases like this,” Keelor adds. “TDOT is about more than just construction and improving roadways. We’re also ready to help drivers in our communities when the unexpected occurs.”