The N.C. Department of Transportation reopened I-40 West from Exit 20 to the Tennessee state line to traffic on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2:30 a.m. The road had been closed since Jan. 31 when a rockslide occurred at mile marker 451 in Cocke County, Tenn.
Traffic is now flowing normally on I-40 West through North Carolina. However, motorists crossing into Tennessee will see the road narrow down to one lane at the site of the rockslide. They are urged to drive slowly and use caution while traveling through the area.
NCDOT worked closely with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to coordinate reopening the road. This team approach was especially important after a second rockslide occurred on Friday, Feb. 3, at noon on I-40 West near mile marker 7 in North Carolina. The slide left 600 tons of rock in the roadway, with some boulders the size of small cars.
NCDOT crews, with help from Ameritech Slope Constructors Inc. of Asheville, removed an additional 150 tons of loose rock from the mountainside and hauled off the debris from the road by 3 p.m. today. The site is now clear and safe for travel.