Asheville, NC – Travelers between North Carolina and Tennessee should prepare for long detours as key interstates will be closed for extended periods.
I-40, in western North Carolina, will remain closed until September 2025, while I-26, north of Asheville, will be shut down until March 2025. These closures will affect all interstate travel between the two states. According to officials, the closures are necessary due to flood damage and maintenance issues along the highways.
This means travelers will have to rely on alternate routes for at least the next year. Both closures will severely disrupt traffic and commerce in the region, extending travel times for commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicles.
Travelers planning to visit popular destinations like Pigeon Forge, TN, or Asheville, NC, will need to adjust routes accordingly. Officials encourage drivers to stay informed about detours and plan trips ahead to avoid delays.
The closures will impact anyone traveling through western North Carolina into Tennessee, so plan accordingly for the long detour.
