Tennessee transportation officials confirm that I-40 has reopened to traffic after flooding and a rockslide forced the interstate to close near the North Carolina–Tennessee state line on Wednesday, June 18.
This comes six days before the previously set reopening date after crews cleared and repaired the roadway earlier than anticipated.
Mark Nagi, regional communications officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) – Region 1, confirmed the reopening via X post.
Images and videos shared by both the Tennessee and North Carolina Department of Transportation’s social media pages last week showed muddy water covering the highway, partially submerging several tractor-trailers and other vehicles.
On June 19, transportation officials said the initial assessment of I-40 determined it could take weeks to finish repairs and cleanup.
As of 1 p.m. Friday, I-40 is back open to one lane in each direction at the North Carolina–Tennessee state line.