I-40 Reopening in Pigeon River Gorge: Single-Lane Travel After Hurricane Helene
Following severe flooding and landslides caused by Hurricane Helene, Interstate 40 may reopen between North Carolina and Tennessee by New Year’s Day, but travel through the mountainous Pigeon River Gorge will face new limitations. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plans to establish single-lane traffic in both directions, using the undamaged westbound lanes as contractors continue to stabilize and repair the damaged eastbound lanes.
What to Expect: Narrow Lanes and Reduced Speeds
The current plan sets traffic flow through the Pigeon River Gorge on just one side of I-40, with lanes narrowed to 11 feet and speeds reduced to 40 mph for safety. Although NCDOT is aiming for completion by January 4, this timeline depends on when contractors can finish soil stabilization and secure the westbound lanes with a concrete barrier.
“Reopening I-40, even with restrictions, will help alleviate transportation delays in the region,” said Wanda Payne, NCDOT’s Division 14 Engineer. “Everyone’s patience will be essential to ensure a safe and smooth journey.”
Repair Strategy and Construction Techniques
To stabilize the westbound lanes, contractors are using a technique called "soil nailing." This process involves anchoring long steel rods into bedrock, filled with grout for durability and then sprayed with concrete to create a stable cliff wall. Meanwhile, contractors are working on developing a plan for reconstructing the eastbound lanes.
NCDOT has tow trucks stationed in the gorge to help clear any breakdowns, ensuring traffic keeps moving in the single lanes.
Impact on Freight and Passenger Travel
Though speeds and capacity are limited, reopening I-40 will facilitate the movement of goods and commuters across the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. The lane adjustments stretch nine miles—five miles on the North Carolina side and four miles in Tennessee. Tennessee has already converted its section to two-way traffic but has restricted access up to the last exit in the state.
Related Highway Closures and Detours
I-40 is not the only interstate impacted by Hurricane Helene. Nearby Interstate 26 also sustained significant damage, including two collapsed bridges over the Nolichucky River. The Tennessee Department of Transportation reopened I-26 on October 30 using a temporary causeway, allowing one-lane travel in each direction. Wide or overweight vehicles continue to detour using Interstates 81 and 77.
Looking Forward
The projected reopening of I-40 is just a temporary measure as NCDOT and Tennessee DOT work together on long-term reconstruction plans. Once complete, this essential corridor will return to normal operations, restoring critical connectivity for the region.
For more detailed updates on the I-40 reopening process and ongoing repairs, visit NCDOT’s official page on Hurricane Helene’s impact and infrastructure recovery here.