Agencies Partner to Assist Motorists During I-40 Rock Slide

 

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation and Tennessee Highway Patrol are working together to keep motorists informed about the closure of Interstate 40 near the North Carolina state line. In Tennessee, I-40 is closed in both directions at mile marker 451 (Waterville) due to a massive rock slide that buried the interstate at mile marker 2.6 in North Carolina just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2009. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has made an emergency declaration and is working aggressively to remove the rock from the roadway however it will be several months before the interstate is reopened. As a result, motorists are being detoured to I-81 and I-26.

 

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is beefing up patrols along I-81 and I-26 due to the increase in traffic along the corridor in an effort to reduce crashes and keep motorists safe. The THP is also working to prevent large commercial truck traffic from utilizing U.S. Highway 25/70 due to load limitations on a bridge between Newport, Tennessee and Hot Springs, North Carolina. All commercial traffic MUST use the I-81/I-26 detour. However, non-commercial traffic traveling to or from North Carolina may use Highway 25/70 or Highway 441 to travel around the closure.

 

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is working to inform motorists of the closure through a variety of mechanisms. Motorists can find a variety of information on the closure, including a detour map, on the TDOT web site www.tn.gov/tdot. Overhead message signs in Knoxville, Jefferson and Sullivan Counties as well as numerous portable message signs are being used to advise motorists of the closure. Travelers can also utilize highway advisory radio on AM frequency 1620 in selected areas along I-40 and I-81 to get the latest closure information.  A statewide 511 message is alerting travelers of the closure and alternate route information and TDOT has been tweeting the closure information to followers via the TN511 and other Twitter sites. 

 

In addition, TDOT is partnering with the Department of Tourist Development to provide information to motorists at the state’s various Welcome Centers and Rest Areas. The Department of Tourist Development is also displaying detour information on their travel web sites and sending out information to their followers via Twitter.

 

The THP encourages motorists to call *THP (847) from any cellular phone should they experience mechanical or other difficulties while traveling. Motorists should always follow the posted speed limit, wear a safety belt and avoid distracted driving when traveling. Motorists should also remember that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee.

 

TDOT reminds motorists that they should use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.  TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.

  

 

 

Interstate 81 North to I-26 East to Asheville, North Carolina where motorists will take I-240 back to I-40. 
ALL Commercial Vehicles must take the official detour to I-81. Commercial Vehicles will NOT be allowed to take U.S. 25/70.

 

Non-Commercial Vehicles of normal weight are encouraged to follow the official detour, but may also use Highway 25/70 into Asheville, North Carolina.

 

 

 

In Asheville, take I-240 to I-26 then take I-81 to I-40. ALL Commercial Vehicles must use this route.

 

Non-Commercial Vehicles of normal weight are encouraged to follow the official detour, but may also use Highway 25/70 from Asheville, North Carolina into Tennessee and get back onto I-40 at exit 432.

 

Non-Commercial Vehicles of normal weight traveling to Gatlinburg from North Carolina may also choose to take the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to Highway 441 into Gatlinburg.

 

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