NCDOT Issues Traffic Warning For North Carolina, I-40, I-26

MOORESVILLE, NC — Heads up for anyone traveling toward Pigeon River Gorge, you'll be met with delays on I-40.

NCDOT is replacing a bridge on I-40 that spans over Harmon Den Road and Cold Springs Creek. It's going to take about six months, meaning it affects holiday traffic.

NCDOT and Tennessee's DOT are working together and hope drivers will consider taking a different route through Kingsport, TN., and checking out traffic apps for suggestions to avoid the delays. In North Carolina, you can visit www.DriveNC.gov for real-time traffic information.

“I expect heavy delays in the gorge around the project area, and in both directions,” Chad Franklin, NCDOT Regional Intelligent Traffic Service Engineer said. “Traffic is certainly heavier during the holidays, and this year delays could be extensive near the state line.”

Delays aren't relegated to just that specific bridge replacement location either. NCDOT says expect signs as far east as Burke County, as far south as Henderson County, and as far west as Knox County, Tenn. alert drivers of the lane closure and suggest I-26 and I-81 as an alternative route.

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"Drivers have two good options: participate in the zipper merge approaching the work zone or travel on I-26 and I-81 through Kingsport, an option that adds about 45 minutes to a typical commute between Asheville and the I-40/I-81 interchange," NCDOT advises in a press release.

"Drivers are not recommended to take any exit between Newport, Tenn. and Asheville to traverse mountain roads. While some of these roads might be suggested by travel apps, they may be gravel rather than paved and could be steep or include sharp curves. Trucks are prohibited from driving U.S. 25/70 through Madison and Cocke counties."

“The number of drivers on I-26 and across western North Carolina will be higher than normal,” Franklin said. “Travelers should plan ahead, travel early or late in the day, and prepare with the necessary food, water and medication.”

The following popular NCDOT Rest Areas in western North Carolina will be open this week:

• I-26 East: Welcome Center in Madison County at mile marker 6
• I-26 West: Welcome Center in Polk County at mile marker 67
• I-40 East: Welcome Center in Haywood County at mile marker 10
• I-40 East: Rest Area in McDowell County at mile marker 82
• I-40 West: Rest Area in McDowell County at mile marker 82
• I-40 West: Rest area in Pigeon River Gorge at mile marker 10
• U.S. 23/74 West: Rest Area in Haywood County south of Waynesville
• U.S. 23/74 East: Rest Area in Cherokee County north of Blue Ridge Parkway
• U.S. 23/441: Rest Area in Macon County three miles from Georgia
• U.S. 19/74: Rest Area in Cherokee County north of Blue Ridge Parkway