The closure affected a stretch of highway in Cocke County, Tennessee, where the conditions were no longer safe for travel. Several inches of rain led to debris and rising water, prompting emergency closures.

In an update posted to its Facebook page, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) said, “All traffic stuck on I-40 had been removed and crews were in the process of cleaning up and evaluating.” TDOT also warned that more rain is expected, which could slow those efforts.

As of the morning of Thursday, June 19, no estimated reopening time had been announced.

Drivers planning to head east toward North Carolina are being advised to take I-81 North to I-26 East, or I-81 North to I-77 South through Virginia as detours.

This week’s weather-related closure follows a history of weather impacts in the region. Back in September 2024, Hurricane Helene shut down hundreds of roads across Tennessee and North Carolina, including I-40. That stretch of I-40 remained closed for months and didn’t partially reopen until March.

Additional I-40 Lane Closures Scheduled in Davidson County

Separately, TDOT announced that construction on I-40 near Nashville International Airport is set to begin on Friday, June 20. The work will involve temporary lane and ramp closures, starting with alternating triple-lane closures westbound, followed by eastbound lane closures.

The work is expected to be completed by Sunday, June 22, and heavy traffic is expected during this time. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time.

TDOT also reminded motorists about Tennessee’s Move Over Law, in effect since 2006. Violations can result in a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail.

For ongoing updates, drivers can check the TDOT SmartWay website for traffic conditions and alerts.

Image Source: USA Today
Source: Land Line

The post I-40 Shut Down Near Tennessee–North Carolina Line Due to Flooding and Rockslides appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Efforts are ongoing to repair Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge after damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Crews are making steady progress (NCDOT via X).

The closure of I-40, a major route linking North Carolina and Tennessee, has presented significant hurdles for truck drivers. Many tractor-trailers are inadvertently diverting to narrow, two-lane mountain roads, leading to delays and occasional gridlocks. Officials from both states are emphasizing the importance of sticking to approved truck routes and avoiding reliance on GPS systems designed for passenger vehicles.

“Some trucks are following GPS routes that are programmed for passenger vehicles,” shared North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) spokesperson David Uchiyama. “Those are routes that accommodate passenger vehicles. But they’re steep, winding, curvy roads, not built for trucks.”

A Critical Interstate Severed

Since September 27, when floodwaters from Hurricane Helene washed out more than a mile of the eastbound lanes near the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, I-40 has remained closed. This critical artery, which previously carried over 25,000 vehicles daily—many of them commercial trucks—has been effectively severed.

Addressing the closure, both state governments launched awareness campaigns, utilizing social media, electronic road signs, cellphone alerts, and truck cab notifications. NCDOT’s DriveNC website now displays a “truck closure” marker to identify areas where vehicles over 30 feet are prohibited due to frequent incidents of trucks getting stuck—approximately two dozen so far.

Challenges Persist

Despite these efforts, some drivers continue to face challenges. Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Lieutenant Bill Miller highlighted the issue, noting that truckers frequently drive east on I-40 until they encounter road closure barricades, forcing them to backtrack.

“Many truck drivers are ignoring the signs posted on I-40 East daily for one reason or another,” Miller explained via email. “They then get turned around and continue to rely on their GPS, and they are routed to secondary roads in Cocke County, such as Big Creek Road and Hartford Road. These roads are small and are not wide enough to accept commercial traffic.”

This isn’t a new challenge. Similar issues arise during snowstorms or accidents in the Pigeon River Gorge, which often prompt truckers to search for alternative, but ill-suited, routes. One particularly troublesome route, N.C. 209, even earned the nickname “The Rattler” due to its winding path through Pisgah National Forest. The increase in incidents since Hurricane Helene has prompted NCDOT to erect additional warning signs.

Stepped-Up Enforcement

The mountain roads themselves haven’t become less truck-friendly; it’s simply that the closure has increased the volume of drivers seeking alternative routes that have always been closed to large commercial vehicles. To address the issue, state troopers in both North Carolina and Tennessee have increased enforcement efforts. Last week alone, the North Carolina Highway Patrol issued over 100 citations to truckers using non-truck-approved routes—a statistic NCDOT shared in a Facebook post aimed at the trucking community.

“We don’t want to issue citations,” explained 1st Sgt. Chris Knox of the State Highway Patrol. “But we don’t want to see them stuck or turned around or overturned. That further complicates people navigating those roads who should be on those roads.”

Fewer Wrong Turns on Mountain Roads

While the problem hasn’t disappeared, officials report progress. The partial reopening of Interstate 26 in Erwin, Tenn., on October 30 has provided a temporary alternative, albeit with some restrictions, such as one-lane traffic in each direction while bridges over the Nolichucky River undergo reconstruction.

NCDOT expects to reopen a section of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge by early next year. Plans involve converting the westbound lanes into a two-way roadway, separated by a concrete barrier and with a reduced speed limit of 40 mph.

“All drivers need to keep in mind it will be slow going,” Uchiyama said.

Recommended Detours for Truckers

Until repairs are complete, NCDOT is advising truckers traveling between North Carolina and Tennessee to use one of two alternative routes:

• I-77 to I-81

• U.S. 74

By adhering to these routes, truck drivers can avoid unnecessary delays and potential hazards on unsuitable roads.

Source: Transport Topics

The post Truckers Face Challenges with I-40 Closure, Finding Mountain Roads Difficult appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The NCDOT has also issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for this region. “All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited,” stated NCDOT.

When asked about the impact of this advisory on essential freight deliveries, a representative from the NCDOT’s communications office explained, “We do not yet have an established detour for I-40,” while reiterating, “All roads in Western North Carolina are considered closed. You should delay your travels in that region.”

For those planning trips or checking on road statuses, the representative advised visiting DriveNC.gov, highlighting that users can “select a county or highway route to see a list of state-maintained roads that are closed due to Helene.” The site allows toggling to show only closures related to Helene. They also noted, “damage is so widespread in Western North Carolina, and there are power outages and cell phone service issues, that not all closed roads” have been updated on DriveNC.gov as of Monday, September 30.

Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene have washed out the eastbound lanes of I-40, leading to a closure of 43 miles in both directions between Exit 432 (US 25W/US 70/US 411) in Tennessee and Exit 20 (US 276) in North Carolina.

In addition to I-40, Interstate 26 is closed in Tennessee from mile marker 39 to the North Carolina state line.

Numerous U.S., state, and local roads are also closed in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Stay updated by checking both DriveNC and TDOT SmartWay for the latest traffic information in these states.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Navigating the Challenges: Dealing with I-40 Closure and Travel Advisories in Western North Carolina appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.