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SEARCHA 12-mile stretch of Interstate 40 between North Carolina and Tennessee, which has been closed since Hurricane Helene last September, is now open with one lane in each direction. What do truck drivers need to know?
Interstate 40 is opening with one lane in each direction in the Pigeon River Gorge.
Photo: North Carolina DOT
A 12-mile stretch of Interstate 40 between North Carolina and Tennessee, which has been closed since Hurricane Helene last September, is now open with one lane in each direction.
The highway has been closed to traffic since Hurricane Helene took out much of the eastbound lanes last September.
The westbound lanes have been stabilized to allow a one-lane stretch in each direction for approximately 12 miles from Cold Springs Creek Road (Exit 7) in North Carolina to Big Creek Road (Exit 447) in Tennessee.
Standard tractor-trailers are allowed, but wide loads are not. Wide loads must use I-77 and I-81 to travel between the two states.
Truck drivers should be aware 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.
This area will have lowered speeds, with a 40-mph limit in Tennessee and a 35-mph limit in North Carolina.
Drivers can expect:
Narrowed lanes with reduced shoulders
A 9-inch by 9-inch concrete curb separating traffic
Periodic breaks to provide EMS access
Transportation officials anticipate there will be delays passing through the gorge.
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