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The primary road connection between North Carolina and eastern
Tennessee was severed in late September as flooding in the
Pigeon River gorge washed away over 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) of
I-40's eastbound lanes.
Transportation crews and contractors had focused initially on
reopening the westbound lanes in Haywood County to two-way
traffic during 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 pattern in the gorge,
according to a state DOT news release.
"It is an unfortunate situation, division engineer Wanda Payne
said. Its a new hurdle that we have to overcome in order to
provide a safe facility for the travelling 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 about 7 miles (11.3 kilometers).
We would like to open the corridor as soon as it is safe to do
so, Payne said. We know it is a critical route for folks who
live here, visit here and travel through here.
Hurricane Helene and its resulting destruction damaged roads and
bridges in more than 6,900 sites, according to a state
government damage and needs assessment report. The department,
its contractors and partners have reopened more than 1,200 roads
that were closed.
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