I-40 reopening date set as nation's 'most expensive emergency relief project' continues
- Interstate 40 is set to partially reopen by March 1, allowing for reduced-speed two-way traffic, according to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.
- The reopening will feature one lane in each direction near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, although it will remain a construction zone.
- Hurricane Helene caused significant damage, leading to the closure of I-40 since late September 2024, with delays due to heavy rain impacting the reopening.
- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a special permit to source construction materials locally, reducing costs and project duration.
19 Articles
19 Articles
NCDOT sets new date for reopening I-40 in Western North Carolina after Helene
Interstate 40 will reopen through the Pigeon River Gorge on March 1, restoring the main highway connection between North Carolina and Tennessee for the first time since damage from remnants of Hurricane Helene shut it down. Gov. Josh Stein announced the reopening Monday a few yards from where a section of highway collapsed into the river.

Stretch of North Carolina interstate that collapsed during Helene to reopen by March 1
A section of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina that collapsed during Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding will reopen to traffic by March 1. Gov. Josh Stein made the announcement Monday
I-40 reopening date set as nation's 'most expensive emergency relief project' continues
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — It's been nearly four and a half months since Hurricane Helene hit East Tennessee and North Carolina. Many communities in the region, like Cocke County, are still cleaning up with one of the biggest projects being I-40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. Federal, state and local officials, including newly appointed United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, gathered to assess the progress after part…
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