New damage delays I-40 reopening in North Carolina closed by Helene

WAYNESVILLE, NC — The reopening of a section of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina that collapsed during the crisis Hurricane Helene Historic flooding has been postponed after more asphalt fell from eastbound lanes this week, the Department of Transportation said Friday.

The main highway connection between North Carolina and East Tennessee was severed in late September when flooding in the Pigeon River gorge washed away more than a mile of the eastbound lanes of I-40.

Transportation crews and contractors had initially focused on reopening the westbound lanes in Haywood County to two-way traffic the first week of January. Now the new damage will keep it closed until engineers determine the area is safe enough for drivers in such a narrow canyon pattern, according to a state DOT news release.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” division engineer Wanda Payne said. “It is yet another hurdle we must overcome to provide a safe facility for the traveling public.”

The department attributes the new slide to wet weather and freeze-thaw conditions. Contractors have been working to stabilize one lane in each direction from Harmon Den to the Tennessee line, or approximately 7 miles.

“We would like to open the corridor as soon as it is safe to do so,” Payne said. “We know it is a vital route for people who live here, visit here and travel through.”

Hurricane Helene and the resulting destruction damaged roads and bridges in more than 6,900 locations, according to a state government Damage and needs assessment report. The department, its contractors and partners have reopened more than 1,200 closed roads.