MENU
SEARCHIf truck drivers are using a navigation app that takes them off the approved interstate detour to get around the part of I-40 closed by Hurricane Helene, they could be risking tickets or worse.
North Carolina DOT officials have been ticketing trucks for not using approved detours -- and many are getting stuck trying to navigate the narrow, winding secondary mountain roads.
Photo: NCDOT
As work continues to restore Interstate 40 after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, officials in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee are warning truck drivers to not use narrow, winding detours instead of designated Interstate detours.
The North Carolina DOT posted on its social media that the risks include tickets as well as trucks getting stuck or overturning. More than 100 tickets were issued in a single day on Nov. 14.
Hurricane Helene hit the area on September 27, with torrential rains causing extensive flooding and mudslides and closing thousands of roads. Many routes need significant repairs and others a total rebuild.
There's a long detour to get around the closed portion of I-40 in western North Carolina.
Photo: Tennessee DOT
The only large truck routes to and from western North Carolina are Interstate 77 to Interstate 81 or Interstate 40 to US Highway 74.
The department also discouraged drivers from following other routes suggested by some navigation apps.
The NC DOT has targeted New Year’s Day for a partial reopening of I-40, with one late in each direction.
Meanwhile, in Tennessee, according to published reports, new signs have been installed along Highway 30 in Polk County to deter commercial trucks from using it.
6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI
Read More →
After a year of what safety and compliance expert Brandon Wiseman calls “regulatory turbulence,” what should trucking companies be keeping an eye on in 2026 when it comes to federal safety regulations?
Read More →
A new Digital Trainer platform digitizes behind-the-wheel assessments, generates Smith5Keys driver scorecards, and connects safety training to ongoing driver risk management.
Read More →
Within a two-week period, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration removed eight ELDs from the list of registered electronic logging devices, but has since reinstated two of them.
Read More →
Last year was one of regulatory turbulence for trucking companies and truck drivers. Trucking attorney Brandon Wiseman breaks down the top DOT changes and what fleets should be aware of heading into 2026.
Read More →
Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.
Read More →
Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.
Read More →
Netradyne says its Video LiveSearch enables real-time, natural-language search of in-cab video, allowing fleets to instantly surface the most meaningful footage for safety, coaching, and operations.
Read More →
Garmin expands its Dēzl lineup with a dual-camera system designed to improve blind-spot visibility for truck drivers.
Read More →
Headlights are getting brighter. Gentex thinks new, digital in-cab technology can help.
Read More →
