UT's nearly 98-ton Rock proves no match for crane, truck, cables

Moving 'The Rock' at UT

Incoming University of Tennessee freshmen have had an easier time moving into dorm rooms than it took for the Knoxville campus's iconic Rock to be moved 275 feet diagonally across the street.

Workers began preparing the 97.5-ton Knox dolomite rock for final preparations for the move around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, and the Rock was placed in the newly dug hole across the street by 7 p.m.

Workers used a crane and a flatbed truck to transport the Rock from the ground south of Volunteer Boulevard near the intersection of Pat Head Summitt Street to its new home across the street, but several obstacles delayed the process.

Three flatbed trucks had to be brought in - the last one from LaFollette - before workers had a truck that could accommodate the massive Rock.

Metal cables had to be brought in after the nylon straps being used to hoist the Rock out of the ground began popping and snapping.

Once the Rock was secured on the truck, sewer work on Pat Head Summitt Street delayed the move, and once the truck was able to leave the lot, it was forced to travel down Pat Head Summitt Street in reverse, because the original route was blocked by parked cars.

Once the truck reached the parking lot near the Music Building, a tree - slated for removal in a year to make way for new construction - had to be cut down to allow the truck to pass through the entrance.

A thunderstorm further delayed the move, and rainwater had to be pumped out of the hole at the new site.

Despite the setbacks, UT spokesman Jay Mayfield said when the Rock was finally in place "everyone was very pleased with the outcome."

UT said it paid Claiborne Hauling Contractors $6,000 to move the Rock, and preparations for the move were completed by UT's facilities services.

The Rock has been a geologic billboard for student self-expression for years, a host to ever-changing painted messages and artwork.

UT administrators decided to move the Rock to make way for a new 109,242-square-foot Student Health Center.

UT students and other onlookers showed up throughout the day to catch a glimpse of the Rock being moved.

"It's part of campus history and culture," said Liz DiGangi, a UT alumna who was visiting Knoxville from Bogota, Colombia.

Jon Bethard, a doctorate student, said the Rock provides an outlet for student expression.

"I'm glad the university is preserving a long-standing tradition," he said.

Alan Blizzard, a junior in logistics, said the Rock represents freedom of speech.

"This is historic to say the least," Blizzard said about the move. "There are so many memories, and one of the biggest traditions at UT is the Rock. This is almost like an opportunity of a lifetime."

Chloe White may be reached at 865-342-6341.