A section of I-40 West near the North Carolina/Tennessee state line has been closed between Exit 20 and the Tennessee border following a rockslide and flooding in Tennessee. The closure impacts an area that had only recently reopened in March after suffering major damage from Hurricane Helene.
Motorists are urged to use caution and follow the official detour routes:
Primary Detour:
- Take Exit 53B to I-240 West
- Follow I-240 West for 5 miles to Exit 4A (I-26 West)
- Continue on I-26 West for 74 miles into Tennessee
- Take Exit 8A to I-81 South
- Follow I-81 South for 57 miles
- Re-access I-40 at Mile Marker 421 in Tennessee
Alternative Routes Based on Origin:
Traffic East of Winston-Salem:
- Take Exit 193-B (US-52 North) for 34 miles
- Take Left Exit 140 to I-74 West for 12 miles
- Merge onto I-77 North toward Wytheville, VA
- Continue for 38 miles to merge with I-81 South at Fort Chiswell, VA
- Stay on I-81 South for 156 miles, rejoining I-40 in Tennessee
Traffic Between Winston-Salem and Statesville:
- Take Exit 152-B for I-77 North
- Drive 87 miles into Virginia
- Merge with I-81 South at Fort Chiswell, VA
- Continue 156 miles to rejoin I-40 at Mile Marker 421 in Tennessee
Drivers should monitor road conditions and allow extra travel time. The timeline for reopening has not yet been announced.
