I-40: Ashville, NC to Knoxville, TN

[jwheelerks]

Has anyone traveled the I-40 detour (US-25) with their fiver since the rock slide that closed I-40 ? Is it easily doable?

[hitchup]

We've been watching intensely for the road to clear, since we may need to take that route if we head west from Mt Airy. Looking at US 25 cutoff, it looks awfully windy through the mountains.

So I keep watching RV.net for updates. See one below.



Posted: 03/02/10 09:22am Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

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"You'll want to catch I-81N just east of Knoxville, to I-26E between Kingsport & Johnson City. That's the official detour, and the best one for towing or large vehicles. Yep, it's well-marked. A curvy climb coming approaching the TN/NC border, and a long down-up-down hill just after. Good NC welcome center, with overnighting OK.

The only real problem spot is going thru Asheville. Heavy traffic approaching the city, a necessary exit, followed immediately by a short-notice lane change to the left on the bridge. Watch the signs closely. I-26E is co-routed with I-240W for a few miles, with dense traffic & some rough spots. Our local NIMBY crowd has obstructed any improvements....

It adds a total of 53 miles. As stated, the re-opening of I-40 is now expected to be late April....... "

[jwheelerks]

Thanks for the update and another link. I had checked one of the on line newspapers and apparently another rock slide has postponed the March opening. Asheville Citizen-Times: Weather delays will keep the interstate closed at least until late April, a month past the original March forecast.