Oct. 28, 2009

Due to a rock slide on Interstate 40 near the North Carolina - Tennessee state line, motorists must detour around the road closure. The North Carolina Department of Transportation recommends interstate travelers use the following route:

I-40 West to I-240 West (Exit 53B) to I-26 West (Exit 4A). Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South (Exit 8A) in Tennessee, back to I-40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions.

An additional route is as follows:

From Columbia to Knoxville:

• I-26 West to Asheville, NC
• Continue on I-26W in Asheville, NC past I-40 West
• Take Exit 19B (off I-26W in Asheville, NC) for US Route 25 North / US Route 70 West
• This will take back roads through Hot Springs to Newport, TN
• As you get into Newport, TN, US 25 & US 70 will merge with Route 9, Route 32, and Route 25
• Continue on these roads until it joins I-40 West (Exit 432).

From Knoxville to Columbia:

• I-40 East to Exit 432A (Newport, TN)
• Follow signs for US Route 25 South / US Route 70 East
• This will take you through Newport, Hot Springs, and eventually to Asheville, NC
• This will eventually connect to I-26 East at Exit 19.