Update on I 40 Rock Slide

November 3, 2009

A rock slide occurred at mile marker 2.6 in Haywood County, near the Tennessee state line, shortly after 2 a.m. Both sides of I-40 has been closed, and DOT has recommended a nearly 140 mile detour. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

Last week I reported on a massive rockslide blocking I 40 a major travel route through the mountains of North Carolina. What was initially thought would take crews 2 months to clear now is estimated to be a 4 month project.

The rock slide more than a week ago will keep the interstate closed for at least four months. N.C. Transportation officials say the cleanup could cost $10 million, and Gov. Bev Perdue has declared the slide an emergency.

WRAL
Anyone planning travel through the mountains along I 40 corridor in and out of Tennessee should review travel routes to get around the slide.