From Staff Reports

NEWPORT, Tenn. — A section of Interestate 40 was reopened to traffic on June 27 after flooding and a rockslide forced the interstate closure near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line on June 18, Tennessee transportation officials confirmed on June 27.

‘The reopening of the section of I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge occurred six days before the previously set reopening date, after crews cleared and repaired the roadway earlier than anticipated,” Asheville, N.C., television station WLOS (News 13) reported later on June 27. 

The reopening occurred just before the Fourth of July holiday weekend, when tourists— at least in the past — flocked to the mountain region, particularly Asheville. 

“Mark Nagi, regional communications officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation – Region 1, confirmed the reopening via X post,” News 13 noted. 

The interstate was originally expected to reopen on July 3, per X posts from Nagi.

“Images and videos shared by both the Tennessee and North Carolina Department of Transportation's social media pages last week showed muddy water covering the highway, partially submerging several tractor-trailers and other vehicles,” News 13 stated.

“On June 19, transportation officials said the initial assessment of I-40 determined it could take weeks to finish repairs and cleanup.”

However, as of 1 p.m. June 27, I-40 had reopened to one lane in each direction at the North Carolina–Tennessee state line — and with a reduced speed limit of 35 mph.

Regarding the I-40 reopening, the Asheville Citizen Times added, “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,” the ACT noted.

Meanwhile, News 13 stated, “TDOT officials advise all drivers to use extreme caution, as crews are still at the site.”

News 13’s “Comment Bubble” following its story included the following assertions:

• ShirleyB65 — “WOW, way to go, TN DOT workers. Come on down  tourists,  enjoy July 4th in WNC.”

• NoOne23 — “You could not pay me to drive that route. There are other ways to get back and forth to Tennessee. They originally opened it way ahead of schedule — and did so again.”