The critical infrastructure of Interstate 40, which spans across Tennessee into North Carolina, has been compromised due to severe weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene. According to Knox News, a mudslide precipitated a partial collapse of I-40 near the Pigeon River Gorge. Officials have closed the interstate in both directions, with I-40 East shut down from Mile Marker 432 in Tennessee to Mile Marker 3 in North Carolina, and I-40 West closed from Mile Marker 3 in North Carolina to Mile Marker 435 in Tennessee.
The devastation has disrupted a major transit artery in the Southern Appalachians. WVLT reports extensive flooding, particularly at Exit 447 in Hartford as well as downtown Newport off Exit 435, leading Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis to declare a state of emergency. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has also established a diversion at Exit 432 for eastbound traffic. Crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation are preparing to safely evaluate the full extent of the structural impediments utilizing drones since the area remains inaccessible.
This unexpected event has urged both state and local officials to mobilize a response to the crisis. Governor Bill Lee, in a statement obtained by WVLT, emphasized that the State is monitoring the conditions closely and encouraged residents to heed local guidance. He stresses the importance of preparedness and community support during these trying times.
No clear timeline for the reopening of I-40 has been provided as the focus remains to quickly ascertain the damage. Kelse Edwards, a communications director for NCDOT told Knox News, "There is no timeline for how long it will take to assess the damage or repair the roadway." Meanwhile, the Tennessee Department of Transportation will continue to rigorously appraise the damage on their end, including the affected areas in Cocke County. The full repercussions of Hurricane Helene's destruction are still unfolding, with WBIR reporting that the NCDOT representative expressed uncertainty on how long repairs might take. Communities are advised to assume all major roads in Western North Carolina are currently undrivable due to flooding damage.