Interstate 40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina border has reopened to traffic following cleanup and repairs prompted by recent flooding and landslides. Crews cleared debris from four separate locations along the highway and conducted repairs to both the on- and off-ramps at the Waterville exit.
Initial estimates projected a two-week timeline for the work, but crews completed the necessary repairs in approximately one week. The interstate has resumed operation with one lane of travel open in each direction, and a reduced speed limit remains in effect.
Restrictions on oversized loads also remain in place. These restrictions are connected to ongoing repairs from damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and are not related to the recent rockslide.
Crews will continue to work along this stretch of I-40, and drivers are reminded to slow down and use caution in work zones to help ensure the safety of both motorists and workers.
