Rockslide repair causes TDOT to shut down portion of I-40 for two weeks

Almost three months after reopening, a portion of Interstate 40 at the Tennessee / North Carolina border will likely be closed off again for repairs and proper exams.

TDOT District 1 spokesperson Mark Nagi said a minimum of two weeks will be needed to clear debris and make the interstate safe following Wednesday’s rockslide and flooding.

Cocke County officials deployed swift water rescue teams to extract stranded motorists whose vehicles were taken over by flooding. A family of six whose roadway was covered with water was saved by a Newport SWAT team member on a four-wheeler.

Drivers will need to use the detours designated after Hurricane Helene for travel in July, including Interstate 81 and 26. The agency has designated one lane of the highway in Cocke County since crews made repairs to damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

6/19/25: Here is the detour map for the I-40 closure near the TN/NC line. Can also check https://t.co/IPsLd39JI4 for road closure information. pic.twitter.com/FCo3NnEwtv

— myTDOT (@myTDOT) June 19, 2025

(IMAGE: myTDOT District 1 / Official Facebook)