Helene-damaged portion of I-40 in western NC set to reopen soon: Governor Stein

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Two lanes on a portion of I-40 that suffered catastrophic damage when Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina are planning to reopen by the beginning of March, according to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.

Stein posted on X on Monday saying that the plan is to reopen the lanes by March 1. He said it will allow for reduced-speed two-way traffic. Ongoing construction will also continue, so drivers are advised to take caution.

“I am proud of NCDOT’s focus on this challenge and the roadworkers who have worked tirelessly to reopen roads and keep people safe,” Stein said in a statement. “Reopening these lanes will help reconnect North Carolina and Tennessee and allow us to welcome back visitors to bolster the economy.

Stein, along with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Representatives Chuck Edwards and Tim Moore and Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, visited Haywood County on Monday to observe the progress.

There will be one open eastbound lane and one open westbound lane. NCDOT officials said drivers will have to obey a speed limit of 40 miles per hour on the stretch of road.

The damaged portion of I-40 at the North Carolina-Tennessee state line has been closed since late September when Helene tore across the area and left devastation in its wake.

Back in December, a large chunk of asphalt fell from one of the eastbound lanes of I-40 and into Pigeon Gorge. The damage, which the North Carolina Department of Transportation attributed to “wet weather and freeze-thaw conditions,” delayed the reopening of the busy interstate.

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