I-40 Reopens at Tennessee-North Carolina Border: What to Know

East-coast travelers with plans to visit the Great Smoky Mountains have good news! Interstate 40 (I-40) at the Tennessee and North Carolina border has reopened after extensive rehabilitation in the aftermath of the damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The popular highway that connects travelers between Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC was closed for months as crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) worked to restore the road. With the repairs complete and lanes open for traffic, tourists can once again use I-40 to reach the Smoky Mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to the Smokies via I-40:

What Happened to I-40?

Hurricane Helene brought extreme rainfall, flash floods, and mudslides that caused hefty damage to about a 20-mile stretch of I-40 around the Tennessee-North Carolina border in September 2024. Collapses of the roadway at several different locations made travel impossible and stretches were closed down to complete repairs to make I-40 safe to travel once again. Crews worked around the clock to rebuild these damaged sections while also reinforcing the highway in an effort to prevent similar issues from happening in the future. While I-40 has reopened, some restrictions remain in place.

What to Expect on I-40 Now

While I-40 is now open, travelers should be aware of a handful of changes:

• Lane Reductions: For now, some sections are operating with a single lane open in each direction.
• Lower Speed Limits: Speed limits are restricted to 35 mph in construction zones.
• Concrete Barriers: Concrete walls are in place to divide portions of the roadway that are still being worked on.
• Ongoing Work: Work on damaged sections is projected to be completed fully by late 2026.

Alternative Routes to the Smokies

While I-40 has been reopened, there are additional routes travelers can take if they wish to avoid periods of high traffic or slow downs. Here are some additional routes you can take to bypass portions of I-40 that are being reconstructed:

• I-77 and I-81: Visitors coming from North Carolina can take I-77 North up to Virginia and connect with I-81 South to bypass the stretch of I-40 that travels through the mountains.
• I-26 and I-81: Those coming from the Carolinas can also choose to take I-26 through the mountains of North Carolina and connect with I-81 to skip what will likely be crowded sections of I-40, particularly on weekends.

Plan Your Trip to the Smokies

The reopening of I-40 gives visitors additional options to reach the Smoky Mountains when planning their next trip. Whether you take I-40 or opt for an alternative route, be sure to check road conditions before traveling.

If taking I-40, please remember to expect delays on popular travel days, particularly in sections of the interstate that have been rebuilt. Be on the lookout for construction workers, don’t rush, and remember the drive is part of the adventure!

No matter how you get here to the Smokies, an unforgettable experience awaits! Start planning your next adventure today and explore Smoky Mountain cabin rentals to discover a great place to stay on your trip!