Interstate 40 reopened March 1 for the first time since Hurricane Helene washed out portions of the eastbound lanes last September, but no wide loads are allowed.
N.C. Department of Transportation said it and contract crews have stabilized the remaining westbound lanes and prepared them to provide one lane of traffic in each direction.
“We are happy to have this open for the people who depend on a connected transportation system between North Carolina and Tennessee,” NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Wanda Payne said. “This opening improves the flow of people, goods and services between our two states and between locations far beyond Haywood County.”
Combined with the restoration efforts in Tennessee, the one-lane stretch extends approximately 12 miles from Cold Springs Creek Road (Exit 7) in North Carolina to Big Creek Road (Exit 447) in Tennessee. On the North Carolina side, drivers heading through the Pigeon River Gorge corridor should expect unusual conditions for interstate travel:
- Narrowed lanes with reduced shoulders
- A reduced speed limit of 35 mph
- A 9-inch by 9-inch concrete curb separating traffic
- Periodic breaks to provide EMS access
- Emergency-only lane on the eastbound side
- Standard 18-wheelers allowed, but no wide loads
Transportation officials anticipate there will be delays passing through the gorge due to these unique conditions – and even more so during heavy travel periods which have traditionally been Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and holiday weekends.
Drivers should consider the alternate route of I-26 from Asheville to Kingsport, Tennessee., then I-81 South to I-40.
Drivers of standard 18-wheelers should note that while they will be allowed to travel on I-40 through the gorge, there are no alternate routes available for them beyond Exit 20 (U.S. 276) despite some GPS devices and mobile phone apps suggesting they can take an exit in the gorge. Wide loads must utilize I-77 and I-81 to travel between the two states.
