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A rockslide has caused Interstate 40 to close in both directions at mile marker 3 near the North Carolina/Tennessee border west of Asheville. Please help remind travelers coming from the north, south or east that they are not affected by this road closure. Asheville remains accessible from the west via alternative routes. Please encourage travelers to find alternative routes and up to date information on the ExploreAsheville.org website.The Asheville area and the mountains of Western North Carolina remain accessible from the east, south and north after a rock slide along Interstate 40 at the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Travelers heading to Asheville from the west may use the following detour options (as of 10/25/09): Express Route via Scenic Interstate Byway The NC Department of Transportation advises I-40 travelers from the west to take I-81 north to Johnson City, then I-26 east to Asheville. The I-26 route adds roughly 50 minutes to the travel time, and is one of the nation�s only interstate Scenic Byways. I-26 takes motorists through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering scenic observation points, a welcome center and stunning views of the highest peaks in the East. Detour Option via Dixie Highway Travelers coming from the west on I-40 may also take exit 432-B for US-25/US-70 toward Newport. After Newport, TN, 25/70 becomes the Dixie Highway. Follow signs to stay on 25/70. Shortly after entering North Carolina, you will pass through the town of Hot Springs. Continue until you reach I-26. Take I-26 east to get to Asheville. This route adds roughly 30 minutes to the travel time and is a beautiful scenic mountain highway. Passenger vehicles only are permitted on this road�it is not a commercial travel route (i.e. motorcoach, RVs or dual-axel vehicles). Please consider possible weather and traffic congestion issues on this winding two-lane road. (Image provided by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.)
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