NC Department of Transportation urges people to avoid travel in western North Carolina
The westbound lanes on Interstate 40 near the Tennessee border collapsed into the Pigeon River. Photo courtesy NC Department of Transportation
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is asking people to avoid traveling through the western part of the state as recovery efforts continue after Tropical Storm Helene.
Around 430 roads, including areas along Interstate 40 and dozens of highways in the foothills and mountains, remain closed. According to a news release, the recovery effort is expected to take months due to the serious damage.
Most of the road closures are west of Interstate 77, and due to flooding, downed power lines or debris from rock slides. The state has marked I-40 impassable in multiple locations and Interstate 26 is closed at the Tennessee state line.
NCDOT crews from lesser impacted areas of the state have been deployed to bring in fuel and remove debris.
Interstates, U.S. and state highways will be prioritized in reopening with state-maintained secondary roads to follow. All roads in western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is currently prohibited.
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