The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced that a major interstate shuttered by a rockslide earlier this month has partially reopened.

On June 27, TDOT announced that I-40 has reopened to traffic near the North Carolina and Tennessee state line. Officials opened one lane in each direction, and a lower speed limit is in place.

“Crews worked hard to clean up debris from 4 different areas along I-40 near the TN/NC border, as well as repair the on- and off-ramps at the Waterville exit, after last week’s flooding and slides. We had originally estimated two weeks for the repair, but it was completed in just about a week. We are thankful for the hard work that went into reopening this vital roadway,” officials said.

The interstate has been closed in both directions since June 18, when a rockslide and major flooding left vehicles partially submerged. No injuries were reported.

TDOT is reminding drivers that oversized loads are not permitted on this stretch of I-40 due to the repair from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, not the recent rockslide.

Repair work will continue on I-40 and drivers passing through are asked to use caution and watch for road crews.