I-40 rockslide in western NC.. anyone affected?

[lowkee]

From what I've read, I-40 is the only means to go west without taking a 150 mile detour. Now that there are thousands of tons of rocks blocking the pass, what chaos is ensuing? That seems a major trucking route, especially for those in TN, as NC ports seem the closest option. I pity the truckers having to take that extra 150 mile detour.

I'm a little more than amazed they would make a road with no backup. It isn't like they didn't know rockslides exist. There are signs all up and down I-40 warning of them.

At some point I'll be towing my boat to KY, and I would be using that pass. Adding 150 miles of stop and go makes me even more nervous. NC drivers aren't known for their sanity.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: I-40 rockslide in western NC.. anyone affected?

It's not 150mi. My sister travels that route regularly and she said it added about an hour to her trip. According to Google Maps, the route from Ashville to Knoxville via Johnson City is 77 mi. further that directly from Ashville to Knoxville. So it'll add little better than an hour to your trip. Or you could travel US 25/70, the 2-lane from Ashville to Newport and pick up I-40 there. I understand it's not a bad road.

 

[lowkee]

Re: I-40 rockslide in western NC.. anyone affected?

Well, 77 miles sounds much better than 150. Serves me right to not double check a news outlet. Still, 77 miles is not exactly small potatos.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: I-40 rockslide in western NC.. anyone affected?

That same stretch of I-40 has had the same problem many times over the years.
In the big trucks we used to just run up 77 to 81 and come back south to Knoxville.Hit 40 west and keep going.It may have added an hour.