Episode 84 Show Notes

Published: December 23, 2024 ByAshley

New collapse to delay opening of I-40, North Carolina DOT says

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) says that the reopening of a stretch of interstate damaged by Hurricane Helene has been delayed after a part of the roadway collapsed last week. I-40 at the North Carolina/Tennessee line was scheduled for reopening in January 2025 after the roadway sustained severe damage during Hurricane Helene in late September, but NCDOT has reported amajosetback.

Officials said on Friday that “an additional chunk of asphalt fell away from an eastbound lane of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge this week, delaying the reopening of the interstate.” The cause of the new roadway collapse was blamed on “wet weather and freeze-thaw conditions.” It’s now unclear when I-40 could re-open, but NCDOT is working with engineers and contractors on a fix for the new damage. “It is an unfortunate situation,” NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Wanda Payne said. “It’s a new hurdle that we have to overcome in order to provide a safe facility for the traveling public.” “We would like to open the corridor as soon as it is safe to do so,” Payne said. “We know it is a critical route for folks who live here, visit here and travel through here.” You can view NCDOT’s recommended detours below. To Southern Tennessee/Georgia/Alabama: Use U.S. 74W To Tennessee/Virginia: Use I-77 North to I-81 South
From east of Winston-Salem to Tennessee/Virginia: Use I-74W to I-77N to I-81S