I-40 Closed!

[CoastieSCPO]

Our daughter lives in Waynesville, NC and she had planned on visiting us soon here in Monterey, Tn. This visit is delayed. Well, due to a mud/rock slide near exit 3 in North Carolina last night, both east and westbound lanes of I-40 are closed and will remain closed until November 25th. The gorge is never a easy drive, but now the alternates are going to be a lot longer. I checked TDOT's web site to confirm this event.

Bob

[Hitchhiker]

Here's an AP News story on the closing:

Rockslide in NC near Tennessee shuts Interstate 40




RALEIGH, N.C. — A rockslide in western North Carolina near the Tennessee state line has closed Interstate 40, and officials say it could take several months to clear the debris. The state Department of Transportation on Sunday issued an emergency declaration. Initial estimates from engineers are that it could take several months to clean up the entire slide and restore traffic.
DOT said a contractor is en route to begin clean up.
The rockslide occurred shortly after 2 a.m. near mile marker 3 in Haywood County.
A detour has been set up. Motorists traveling west to Tennessee should take I-40 West to I-240 West in Asheville to I-26 West. Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South in Tennessee, back to I-40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions.

[historyljc]

Pretty sizable detour, 51 miles. However, I don't really see any good alternative if you're going to stay on the interstate.

[Explorer2]

Raw video: Rock slide shuts down Interstate 40 :: WRAL.com

[TXiceman]

Looks like an opportunity to do a little exploring to me.

Ken

[Groveite]

We were planning to head south on 75 to K'ville and then east on 40 to 26....on towards Ch'ston ....Is the eastern detour trailer friendly or might we be better off to take 77 across on the diagonal? The only reason we like to 40 rte is fewer large climbs as the mileage is about equal.
Ian

[Hitchhiker]

I take my trailer over 'Sam's Gap' on I-26 frequently.

I live about 11 miles from I-26 and to go anywhere south that's frequently how I'll go. Either way you go (I-77 or I-26) you'll have to traverse the mountains and the grades are similar.

[Groveite]

Originally Posted by Hitchhiker

I take my trailer over 'Sam's Gap' on I-26 frequently.

I live about 11 miles from I-26 and to go anywhere south that's frequently how I'll go. Either way you go (I-77 or I-26) you'll have to traverse the mountains and the grades are similar.

I've towed both ways and the climbs on 40/26 seemed a bit lighter but that is not scientific!!!. Is the detour that is suggested when going EB much of a problem due to narrow roads or traffic?
We used to always go via 77 but one snowy trip cured that . Also we really enjoy Asheville, and hope to get a years pass for the Biltmore as we will make the commute a few times this winter if all goes well....62 day limits on the medical insurance is a pain.
Ian

[Hitchhiker]

I-26 isn't narrow at all and the traffic on it around here seems moderate as compared to what I've seen on some other Interstate highways such as I-95, I-81, and I-75. But, that's just my observations.... not too scientific.

Enjoy your trip however you decide to go.

[skipwil]

Our Good sams chapter traveled I 26 from east tn. to exit # 40 east of Ashville this week-end. traffic was a little heavier than normal but not drastic. you might want to look at US 25e from I 75 so. to I 81 no. (corbin,ky to morristown,tn) some construction-about 10-12 miles but very do-able. 18 wheeler use it regularly.
safe journeys.

[skipwil]

East Tn. & Western N.C. news media stated this a.m. that the I-40 section would be closed at least 4 mo.s and then only 2 lanes will be used. Welcome to N.E.Tn travelers
safe journeys...

[Hitchhiker]

I suspect some contractors are getting fat on this job, it shouldn't take 4 months to push some rocks out of the way. Geesh, they built the entire 1390 mile Alcan highway in 1942 and it only took them 6 months.

With the construction equipment available these days being so much more efficient than what was used back then, you'd think they could push away some rocks from a modern interstate in a week or two.

[DriVer]

Originally Posted by Hitchhiker

... you'd think they could push away some rocks from a modern interstate in a week or two.

Factor in NIOSH, NHTSA, NTSB, OSHA, NCDOT, The Local Unions and a few other agencies, it would seem that it might be easier to bring Mohammad to the mountain!

[HobbyJack]

After this area is cleared, think I will take a stiff drink before I drive thru that area.......Ha, Ha.