Detour Information If Traveling From TN

The NCDOT continues to work on the rock slide located west of Marion and Asheville.  To follow their progress on Twitter, click here:

http://twitter.com/i40_RockSlide

Interstate 40 Travelers Arriving From Tennessee

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.  I-26 merges with I-40 once you arrive in Asheville.  

Detour Option via Dixie Highway

Visitors driving from the west on I-40 from Tennessee may take exit 432-B for US-25/US-70 toward Newport. After Newport, TN, 25/70 becomes the Dixie Highway. Follow signs to remain driving on Hwy. 25/70. 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-axle vehicles).  This route is a beautiful scenic mountain highway. Please consider possible weather and traffic congestion issues on this winding two-lane road. 

As you enter North Carolina, you will drive through the town of Hot Springs to intersect with I-26. Take I-26 east to Asheville.  Once you are in the Asheville area, I-40 merges with I-26.  Take I-40 East through Asheville, Black Mountain and Ridgecrest.  The first exit in McDowell County is I-40 exit 72/Old Fort followed by exit 73/Old Fort, exit 75/Old Fort and Parker Padgett Road, exit 81/Marion/Sugar Hill Road, exit 85/Hwy. 221/Marion or exit 86/Hwy. 226/Marion.  

Visitors interested in taking a day trip to Cherokee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Ski Area and points west should take Exit 27 off I-40 (Great Smoky Mountains Expy/US-19/US-23/US-74).

McDowell County Tourism Authority:  888-233-6111

North Carolina Department of Transportation:  NCDOT.org | 511 Travel Info Line | 877.DOT.4YOU