NCDOT Gets Okay To Use Nearby Rock To Fix I-40

Some good news for those who drive Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge. The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that they have received the necessary permits to extract rock from the Pisgah National Forest to assist in the reconstruction of the interstate. NCDOT says being able to extract stone from the National Forest — located right across the river from I-40 — reduces estimated construction costs and timelines compared to using materials that have to be shipped in. NCDOT also says it makes it better for those utilizing I-40 because they will not have to deal with heavy trucks having to haul in rock to fix the interstate.

Portions of the eastbound lanes of I-40 were washed away during the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene last September. The interstate is currently down to one lane in each direction with a reduced speed limit from Exit 447 in Tennessee to Exit 7 in North Carolina. There is no timetable for when I-40 will be back to normal.