Interstate 40 in Cocke County is experiencing traffic diversions as a result of flooding and a potential rockslide, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
At approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday, TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi announced the closure of both directions of traffic on I-40 at Exit 451. Drivers are encouraged to consider different paths.
At approximately 7 p.m., TDOT announced that geotechnical engineers were en route to evaluate the situation, and the existing barrier rail will be relocated to facilitate the turnaround of stranded vehicles. TDOT officials are set to revisit the location on Thursday morning to examine and determine the effects on infrastructure.
State Rep. Jeremy Faison, representing the region, posted images depicting significant flooding that inundated the roadways.
The National Park Service has issued an important reminder: Commercial vehicles are not allowed on US 441/Newfound Gap Road within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Stay informed about road conditions through smartway.tn.gov and the TDOT SmartWay mobile app.
In March, one lane in each direction of I-40 in Cocke County was reopened following a closure that lasted several months due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
