I-40 reopens between NC, TN ahead of the July 4 weekend
- Charles Reams
- Jun 29
- 1 min read
After yet another weather-related closure, Interstate 40 at the Tennessee and North Carolina border has reopened after a rockslide and flood closed the road through the Pigeon River Gorge on June 18, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced June 27.
The section of I-40 remains in its post-Helene conditions, with a reduced speed limit of 35 mph and only one lane open each way through the Pigeon River Gorge. Only standard tractor trailers are allowed along the approximately 12-mile stretch that connects North Carolina to Tennessee, and oversized loads are expected to find alternate routes.
Though the rockslide and flooding occurred in the section of road in Cocke County, Tennessee, the event was unrelated to damages caused by Helene. Cocke County received between 2.5-3.5 inches of rain in about two hours on June 18, the Knoxville News-Sentinel reported June 26, and had no effect on Helene repairs.
The section of road well-known for being closed for environmental damage was closed for months after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the road in September, wiping out entire portions of westbound lanes. Long-term repairs are estimated to cost over $1 billion, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
For updates on road closures, motorists are encouraged to visit drivenc.gov.
