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I-40 closed again near NC-TN line after rockslide, flooding; TDOT says repairs could take 2 weeks
Interstate 40 is expected to be closed for about two weeks due to a rockslide and high water, three months after reopening from Helene, according to TDOT.
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn — Just three months after I-40 reopened following damage by Hurricane Helene, a new slide and high water closed it again. This time for at least two weeks.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation said there are four slide sites, the biggest one is near Exit 451. It can cost about half a million dollars to repair the damage, according to TDOT.
“We have a significant amount of work to do here in the interchange at Exit 451,” Will Reid said, the chief engineer at TDOT.
Leaders said in less than 24 hours since a rockslide and flooding shut down parts of I-40, crews on site jumped in to clean up mud and debris.
“You’ll see some of the material from the side of the rock to come off,” Reid said. “You’ll see what we call some scale and trimming, where we take the loose rock off.”
Crews said they’re focused on reconnecting I-40 in the next two weeks. Businesses and first responders are counting on it.
“When this area of Tennessee hurts, the whole state hurts. This is a major artery,” State Representative Jeremy Faison said.
Interstate 40 remains closed in both directions. The detour route can take about an hour for drivers. It’s the same one drivers used for months following damage from Hurricane Helene.