TDOT shutting down I-26 lanes for sinkhole repair in Unicoi

A portion of Interstate 26 in Unicoi County will be reduced to one lane for two days this week for sinkhole repairs.

A report from TDOT District 1 spokesperson Mark Nagi said the surface collapse below the highway was discovered near mile marker 27.8 eastbound near the Okalona Road exit.

Nagi said reconstruction would cause the right lane to be closed through Wednesday then closure to the left lane for maintenance will take place Thursday.

A sinkhole has developed on I-26 East at MM 27.8 in Unicoi Co., just past Exit 27 (SR 359/Okolona Rd). @myTDOT crews are in the process of closing the right lane, and that lane will be closed for repairs through tomorrow. Repairs to the left lane will take place on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/aOX5AsQner

— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagiTDOT) August 11, 2026