DETOURS REMAIN AN OPTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation engineers have re-opened one lane of traffic in each direction along Interstate 40 around a rockslide near the Tennessee state line.
The lanes are set to open on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, almost a week after the slide first closed the road Friday, Feb. 22. NCDOT engineers say they will open one lane in each direction at 2 p.m.
NCDOT officials said during a noon press conference that the speed limit in the area will be reduced to 45 MPH, and drivers should be careful as they travel through the work zone.
Travelers should expect delays for the next six weeks while repairs are completed in the area.
Detours will remain an option for many travelers while the work is completed. The detour route uses I-40, I-240, I-26, and I-81 through Asheville and Johnson City. The distance from Asheville to the I-40/I-81 junction in Tennessee is about 50 miles longer than driving through the Pigeon River Gorge.
Westbound detour: Motorists should take I-240 West to Exit 4-A to I-26 West. Follow I-26 West to I-81 South. Then follow I-81 South to reaccess I-40.
Eastbound detour: Motorists should take Exit 421 to I-81 North. Follow I-81 North to Exit 57A (I-26 East). On I-26 East, follow signs for I-240 East to reaccess I-40.
