The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that Interstate 40 near Pigeon River Gorge will reopen with one lane in each direction by New Year's Day.
This will allow access to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line.
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Hurricane Helene's aftermath caused the Pigeon River to wash away major portions of the eastbound lanes, leaving the interstate impassable in four sections.
The upcoming reopening will provide a temporary solution, allowing vehicles to travel at 40 mph over a 9-mile stretch. This will also enable crews to work on long-term repairs.
“We are optimistic that our contract partners can complete the work, establish one narrow lane in each direction and create a safe work zone for the long-term restoration,” Wanda Payne, NCDOT’s division 14 engineer, said. “We are working to open I-40 when it is safe, and it will be tight conditions for everybody. But if everybody is patient, everybody can get through.”
The NCDOT is implementing measures to reduce travel delays, including hiring a quick-tow service and additional incident management assistance patrols.
“Opening one lane in both directions reestablishes critical connectivity for the transport of good and services to and through mountains,” Payne said. “Like many things in our area, it will not be like it was for a long time, but it will be better than we’ve had in recent weeks.”
While the temporary reopening is a significant step, the long-term solution for the damaged section of I-40 is still under development. The NCDOT is currently working with design and construction firms to determine the best course of action.
“Everybody has been coming up with ideas and all good solutions are still on the table,” Payne said. “We will collaboratively choose the best long-term solution.”