The North Carolina Department of Transportation has established a target date for partially reopening I-40 near the Tennessee border after it was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene.

According to NCDOT, traffic may move in both directions on I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge by New Year’s Day.

NCDOT believes that a contractor will complete a stabilization project to secure I-40’s westbound lanes in the gorge. Immediately following Hurricane Helene, the Pigeon River swept away four big portions of the interstate’s eastbound lanes.

The stabilizing project will be completed, allowing for one lane of traffic in each direction. Over a 9-mile stretch of the Tennessee-North Carolina canyon, the speed limit will be 40 mph.

“We are optimistic that our contract partners can complete the work, establish one narrow lane in each direction, and create a safe work zone for the long-term restoration,” NCDOT’s Division 14 Engineer Wanda Payne stated. “We are striving to open I-40 when it is safe, but there will be tight conditions for everyone. But if everyone is patient, we can get through.”

Long-term reconstruction efforts are still in the early stages.

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