I-26 in Tennessee has reopened for traffic, except oversized loads, after being closed due to Hurricane Helene's severe damage.
The situation: On October 30, 2024, Tennessee's Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced the reopening.
- Traffic in Unicoi County, from mile marker 39 to 40, now shifts entirely to the westbound lanes, with one lane in each direction.
- The temporary fix allows vehicles to cross the Nolichucky River safely, but oversized loads can't pass due to the shared lane setup.
Current status: TDOT is still working on the permanent repair for the eastbound bridge.
Looking forward: Once the eastbound fix is complete, traffic will shift again to allow permanent repairs on the westbound bridge.
Meanwhile, I-40 at the Tennessee/North Carolina border remains closed, continuing to impact traffic.