TennesseeDepartmentofTransportation

Only one lane of traffic will be the standard pattern for a 12-mile segment of Interstate 40 in North Carolina and Tennessee, as the road was back open for travelers Saturday following a five-month closure. Photos courtesy of Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Only one lane of traffic will be the standard pattern for a 12-mile segment of Interstate 40 in North Carolina and Tennessee, as the road was back open for travelers Saturday following a five-month closure. Photos courtesy of Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Pigeon River Gorge re-opens to travelers

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Jonathan Creek – It may seem bizarre to navigate a two-lane interstate with the typical speed limit cut in half, but it beats the detour that has become the norm. Closed since Hurricane Helene literally destroyed portions of roadway when passing through the region Sept.
Following the closure of I-40 between North Carolina and Tennessee, tractor-trailers have met numerous warning signs – such as this one, at the intersection of N.C. 28 and N.C. 143 in Stecoah – to provide notice that U.S. 129 in Tennessee (the “Tail of the Dragon”) does not allow commercial vehicles over 30 feet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Following the closure of I-40 between North Carolina and Tennessee, tractor-trailers have met numerous warning signs – such as this one, at the intersection of N.C. 28 and N.C. 143 in Stecoah – to provide notice that U.S. 129 in Tennessee (the “Tail of the Dragon”) does not allow commercial vehicles over 30 feet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

I-40 closure impacting local traffic

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Tatham Gap – An accident inside the Nantahala Gorge on Saturday led to traffic being re-routed through an unusual route: Tatham Gap Road, a single-lane dirt road that serves as an alternate connection between Robbinsville and Andrews.