I-40 Closed!

[DriVer]

From what I've recently heard is that they are installing bolts and anchoring them deep into the rock face. This process I expect is going to be time intensive but they're working on it. They expect I40 to remain closed for months.

[Ray,IN]

DriVer, add EPA to your list of government agencies with a dog in that fight. Wonder how many $1,000 hammers will be billed to US-again? I suggest TN and NC utilize convict chain-gangs to clear the mess.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN I suggest TN and NC utilize convict chain-gangs to clear the mess.

"What we have here, is failure to communicate!"

[Groveite]

We took the shorter non Interstate detour coming back a couple of weeks ago....Pleasant drive in the truck (but slow as there are several long stretches where you cannot get past a big rig that is struggling in the hills) however when we tow the Cougar back at the end of March I'll use the interstate rte....not a fun tow on the 2 lane stretches. We'll likely use the interstate rte on the way down in 2 weeks too with the car.
Ian

[CoastieSCPO]

I agree with Groveite regarding the non-interstate route. Nice, but it can be slow. One of our daughters lives in Waynesville, NC and this problem on I-40 has really impacted the travel plans between our place and hers. Also, our RV friends just got back from Waynesville, NC yesterday...they tried to take the scenic route through the Great Smokies National Park on US 441 and it was closed. The gate was down. It must have been because of the recent snow. Oh well, it's not a route that I would take my rig and toad anyway.

Bob

[skipwil]

News this A.M.: The rock slide MIGHT be clear by the end of March. If you come around on I-26; take time-out in Upper East Tn. - its' full of history. Jonesborough,Greeneville, Elizabethton & Kingsport are all first in early American settlement. DO NOT speed on I26 between the N.C. border and I-81. Its' not a speed trap but they (leo) do expect travelers (and locals) to obey the posted speed limits.Visit,shop,eat stay over night - we're just glad you come thru.
SAFE JOURNEYS

[Lorna]

I40 West of Asheville used to have slides all the time (several times during the winter). In the late 70's they widened the road a bit and scraped the mountainsides to lessen slides. Once a year road closing seems an improvement to me.. especially when you take into account the Raleigh thinks the NC state line is at the western side county line of Buncombe county!! As for the length of time... we were always told that "engineers" need to check out the road after a slide. Before there was I-40, everyone used US Hwy 441. If you want a really scenic route try Cherohala Skyway Robbinsville NC - Tellico Plains TN
Does get a bit snowy in the winter.

[Hitchhiker]

It was announced today by DOT that Interstate 40 won’t open before late April because winter weather has slowed work on the rock slide.

[FlyFish]

Want to go from Knoxville to Charlotte next week. I've read this thread but don't get a clear idea of the best/easiest route. Would appreciate best recommended route. Thanks.

[GaryKD]

Hi FlyFish,
There is no magic bullet for the detour.
1. For all interstate driving consider I81 north to I26 East
2. If you can time your travel to miss the heavy traffic consider the route through Sevierville/Pigeon Forge. Go through the GSMNP to Cherokee,NC. The Rt 19 over to I40.

I've done both, several times. Normally I prefer the interstate/cruise control route. If this is a straight shot to Charlotte, with no stops. This is the route to choose.

However, if I have some time and the time of day is that I can miss the traffic in the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area I'll take the "back" way. The climb over the GSM is nothing to worry about. The roads are good quality. You may even see a place or two you might want to stop along the way.

[FlyFish]

Yesterday took 81 to 26 to Asheville as recommended by thread and NCDOT. Worked fine, road better than expected with plenty of diesel stops. Only slight negative was heavy local traffic around Johnson City. One of the rest stops said additional rock slide of equivalent 40 dump truck loads had delayed completion. Detour is no big deal, just 53 more miles. Thanks for advice.

[Luv2go]

The News and Observer reported that I-40 is open as of yesterday, both lanes eastbound and one lane westbound.

Here's the link: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/04/...o-traffic.html

[Groveite]

Great news but 3 weeks too late for us...we took 77 up instead!