A CenturyLink line that crosses over Interstate 26 in Kingsport drooped down into east and westbound lanes Tuesday morning, slowing traffic in both directions.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. at Exit 6 for Rock Springs Road. Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Sollie Rabun said the line is not believed to have been struck by a passing vehicle.
At 11:15 a.m. CenturyLink personnel were repairing the line, which was sagging low over inside east and westbound lanes. The majority of westbound traffic was being diverted off Exit 6 and back onto interstate to avoid the line, with workers holding it up with a pole to let other motorists pass.
Interstate traffic in both directions was slowed by the incident, backing up approximately one mile each direction. The Tennessee Department of Transportation estimates the roadway will be cleared and the interstate reopened by 11:40 a.m.