I-40 Closed For At Least Two Weeks

TDOT had geological engineers on site Thursday to assess the damage done by flash flooding on Interstate 40 in the area near the Waterville Road exit. Heavy rains on Wednesday afternoon caused flood waters to take over the interstate near mile markers 450 and 451. Water across the interstate led to numerous vehicles being stuck on the roadway. This is in the same area that was affected by Hurricane Helene last fall.

A rockslide also occurred Wednesday due to the flood waters, which closed the interstate, three and a half months after it had been reopened with one lane in each direction. Now it appears that I-40 will be closed again for a little while. State Representative Jeremy Faison says the damage to the interstate is worse than originally thought. He says there was significant damage to both the interstate itself and also to exit ramps. TDOT is estimating that the interstate will remain closed near the state line for at least two weeks.

Eastbound traffic on I-40 is being made to exit at the Hartford exit, which is Exit 447. Westbound traffic in North Carolina is being stopped at Exit 7. TDOT is recommending that motorists use the detour of I-81 north to I-26 east. Tractor trailer drivers are being reminded that Newfound Gap Road through the Great Smoky Mountains National park is off-limits to commercial vehicles. The road is steep and windy and does not feature runaway truck ramps or any places for semi trucks to pull over.