I-40 back open after flooding and rockslides

I-40 is finally back open at the North Carolina-Tennessee line 10 days after flooding and rockslides temporarily closed the highway, causing a major travel nightmare.

Officials caution there could be some delays with just one lane open in each direction. 

They’re also asking drivers to be careful as workers remain on scene, trying to get the rest of the lanes up and running.

The flooding happened on Wednesday, June 18. Multiple cars were overtaken by the floodwaters, but no injuries were reported.

This stretch of road was heavily damaged in September of 2024 after Helene rolled through the Southeast. I-40 was re-opened with one lane in either direction in March after undergoing months of repairs, despite early estimates suggesting the interstate wouldn’t support through-traffic until 2027.