UPDATE OCTOBER 5, 2024 - I-40 at TN/NC state line to be closed to sometime in 2028. I do think it will be open BEFORE this time.... UPDATE OCTOBER 2, 2024 - I-26 to remain closed in Erwin, TN until March 2025.
Interstate 77 in Wythe County Virginia is already congested on a good, sunny day. Constant backups and traffic jams particularly where it runs on top of Interstate 81. Beach travelers and construction make it worse. If you come this way please be careful, slow down, and be vigilant. I know because I live here. Holidays will be especially bad. Prepare for lengthy delays. Travel safely!
It's one thing to repair a road; it's another when there's not even anything left to build on. The way the rock wall looks behind I-40, I wonder if they blasted it to created the roadbed.
This is the third time since 2004 that the fills got washed right out from under I-40. In 2004 it was Hurricanes Frances & Hugo, not sure what happened in 2010, but sections of I-40 wound up in the Pigeon River then too. Not to mention the numerous landslides that have deposited rocks, trees, and dirt onto the roadway. They never should have built an interstate through there - they should have built it following the US-70 route instead.
Thank you. Your presentation was so clear and precise. First time I've heard of these closures officially with dates and alternate routes. Amazed at how widespread the highway closures and bridges out were in the mountains of both NC and TN. Your maps made it so plain.
Please do NOT take the last recommended route from Bulls Gap to Greeneville towards Asheville. These roads in NC are very narrow, curvy and dangerous. The local traffic can NOT handle the excess traffic. Please stay on the interstate routes around our area.
W NC/N GA STARLINK IS UP PASSWORD GONC TO COMM. W FAMILY. CRABTREE ROAD IN WAYNESVILLE NEAR MURPHY AND MCCONNEL CHURCH HAVE SHELTER/FOOD/WATER ACCEPT DONATIONS KINDLY. ALL ROADS GONE IN THE N HELEN/SHOOTING AREA & HELICOPTERS CAN'T LAND ON THE MTN. I'M HKING IN SUPPLIES. BE THERE DIRECTLY MY FAMILY ARE STUCK SOME MISSING. DO NOT ATTEMPT jaspers stay away unless you can hike w/ only compass which apparently FEDS CANNOT. ITS PLUMB DANGEROUS FOR JASPERS. NO CELL/INTERNET/POWER.
I'm Old.. I grew up in upstate Sc.. had relatives in east TN..... pre interstate it was a sunrise to dusk driving trip between the places on those narrow windy roads.. after the 26 and 40 it was like 3 hours.. looks like things are back to the 50's
I-81 southbound at Virginia mile marker 12.3 has a sinkhole that has closed one lane and the shoulder so expect detours and delays, keep your gas tank topped up as much as possible travelling anywhere in the region. Even if power is restored in an area, that doesn't mean the gas stations are operating.
Thanks for the update, it will hopefully help people to know what is going on and maybe save them lots of grief before they get there and make things worse.
It will be months. I've seen drone video of I-26 in Erwin and complete sections of bridges were washed away on the south side of town. That will take time to repair even if there is no damage to the roadbed. There were other bridges just north of Erwin on the Nolichucky River that were also washed out limiting detours. This hurricane left a trail of destruction from the Florida coast all the way to Blacksburg, VA. It will affect tourism and commerce. Trucks that travel the area will have to detour on I-77 or I-75 and will add several hours to any destination. North Carolina stated on their DOT website that all roads in western North Carolina are considered closed.
Yes. Really need to focus on the damage to I-26 at Erwin, Tenn. since it's so required to detour traffic with I-40 west of Asheville, NC being impassable for at least the next 12 months.
The tunnel area has been repaired before. You can see the reinforced area above the river. Back in 1985-1986 I-40 was closed. Traveling multiple times between Lexington, K.Y. and Greenville during that year I took the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway and drove through Cherokee, NC to make this trip.
Came through the gorge Thursday morning as the major storm that dumped several inches of rain was moving out (this storm wasn't related to Helene but had thoroughly soaked the area and the rivers were starting to swell with the runoff) and was concerned about landslides even then. Then Helene hit. We returned home via I-95 to Savannah, I-16 to Macon, I-75 to Knoxville, I-40 through Knoxville, and US 11E.
Thanks for your comment....! Yes....it's absolutely made a mess of things and now the 2nd deadliest storm in the US next to Katrina. And now being told another might be taking same path next week.....😮
I believe this 100% we were in the 500 year flood in Colorado pretty much identical to what this is it took a year working 24hrs 7 days a week to rebuild the roads it’s a huge undertaking. Praying for my fellow North Carolinians stay strong❤️
Listen to this when he says hwy70 isn't suited for large vehicles take it seriously that road is curvy. Look up the bridge over the nolichucky river and the damage from the flood at the base of the pillar. That bridge shakes a good bit when dump trucks goes over it.
Google Maps confirms the 12/24"projection for the Erwin bridges replacement, tho I have to think a detour through Erwin across the Jackson Love Bridge should be possible now. The real problem are the closures in the I26 road cuts at the higher elevations. The notes there are projecting the closures wont be lifted until 3/25.
Thanks for your comment...! No one other than local residents should be trying to go into western NC at this time....Until the map is changed from RED on NC side...
UPDATE Oct 2nd: the prohibition on semis for Rt 70 is being lifted today. It's a good thing that law enforcement is stopping semis from going into NC from TN on TN70. The S-curves there are weak and probably rain saturated. It's not a high speed road. 20 mph thru S curves.
Thanks for your comment...! This was provided by the TDOT and NCDOT....But please keep in mind these are estimates and subject to change and most likely will....
@@DestinationsAtoZ Those are tentative dates at the moment. Realistically, anyone that does not live in this area NEEDS to stay out until these areas can recover.
My son lives just east of Hickory NC, I am in Southeast Missouri. My route to his home has been I40 since he went to NC after HS graduation. On Sunday 9/29/2024, I did a google routing to him and it took be to I81 then a series of 2 lane mountain roads that NCDOT shows as closed to get to him. I have been on some of those 2 lane roads through the mounds. In a small crossover SUV, I believe that there were times I was seeing my own brake lights-switchbacks as I believe they are call were so hard of twists.
Thanks for your comments...! As much damage as these took, it would be almost impossible to get completed quicker and permanently.... I-40 this has happened 3 times just in the last 30years... That's 3 too many.
If the Highway 70, the alternate route to Asheville is used, can one actually access I-26 south towards Charleston? There is conflicting information on every site I’ve checked. TIA.
US19e is open from Mars Hill to Burnsville to Spruce Pine and about 4 miles into Avery County. It closes at nc194 Three Mile Rd. I drove from Spruce Pine to Weaverville NC on Saturday, posting this on 10-2-24. I don’t know how far up Roan Mountain is open. I drove NC261 as far as Fork Mountain Rd yesterday. I don’t know about the TN side. The ridge top on Fork Mountain rd looked like a bomb exploded. I hate to think what the higher elevations of the Roan might look like. Prayers lifted for the safety of your family.
I cant believe I-26 will be opened in 2 months with both bridges collapsed. More like December 2025 or 26 and that could possibly be extended bending on many other factors like depending on the inspection of the rest of the bridge that didnt collapse.
There was a bridge over the railroad near me. Just a simple two lane bridge. It was scheduled to take 3 years and they bragged about it when it was completed in two
This is reminiscent of the damage to the main spillway at Oroville Dam in California. Thus, an engineering firm like Kiewit Engineering needs to be brought in and a massive engineering/construction project needs to ramp-up. I envision Secant Cutoff walls drilled and installed along the periphery of the river, followed by roller-compacted concrete installed to rebuild the road-bed. Many thousands of tons of rip-rap limestone would then be laid on the riverbank to ensure that no further scour takes place. There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.......................................
Thanks for your comment....! Most likely the best route for RV would be down I-85 and back up on I-75. Via car you might be able to find a closer route via 2 lane coming out in Cleveland, TN
Where can I find those maps of road closures? My mother is still Mia near Waynesville and we are trying to navigate out of the Bend in Fl! Tough time for our family from sea to mountains!
I would not take SR 70 south over the Nolichucky River... at least not until they've had time to get engineers up there and check the abutments to the dam immediately above the bridge with a fine-toothed comb. The south side abutment - opposite the powerhouse - took a SEVERE beating and I'm seriously surprised it did not come down and take the bridge with it already. (Frankly that dam has been a ticking time bomb for decades; I grew up there, and when I visited the powerhouse circa 1980 it had long since been shut down due to silting.) If I was to need to go to Carolina anytime soon, it's gonna involve wings or rotors... thanks Be, I don't.
Thanks for your comment...! They are working around the bridge now hoping to have it open back up next week....TVA announced the dam was at a RED level so now we will see if they shore it up....
I-26 as soon as Dec. 2024?! That would be fantastic, but I don't see how. Multiple bridge collapses, and so much debris removal, which will reveal more damage. If it's open 12 months from now that would be an accomplishment. The projected date for I-40 is very optimistic as well. More damage will reveal itself, and cleaning up the damaged areas along with getting the right repair machines and vehicles in there will be it's own challenge.
Thanks for your comment....! It's going to be tough and I think once things are cleaned up they will most likely revise the schedule... UPDATE : REVISED I-26 NOW TO MARCH 2025
Thanks for your comment....! Absolutely never want to see anything like this EVER... We are being told there is another TS in gulf now that might take the same path...😩
Seems the concrete shoring along the interstate didn't really go underground, and allowed water to get underneath it and just wash it all out. Assume they'll get one side of i-40 open soon.
Thanks for your comment...! The problem is the west bound lanes are also washed out underneath the blacktop....Not going to be a quick fix... Last time was almost a year just for that and wasn't nearly as bad....
If they open one side, how will they be able to rebuild the other side???? They need a place for the heavy equipment, materials and construction traffic.
Yes. I drove nc181 from Morganton to Pineola on Sunday (posting this on Tuesday 10-2). You can go through Newland, and access Elizabethton via the Gap Creek Rd. I understand US19E at Hampton TN is closed though. Gap creek rd may not be best suited for heavy trucks, not sure if it can accommodate them or not, but it’s said to be open.
As I write this (Oct 3), Google Maps shows 70 is closed in Allenstand and will be closed until Oct 10. Edit: I see you have an updated video, but you might want to update the description as the algorithm sent me to this video and it's only because I checked your channel to see if you had newer videos that I saw you did.
One year to replace several miles of 4 lane interstate, its supports, and drainage, electrical, and everything else. I would fathom a guess I 40 will be shut down for 5 years, not one. It's gonna require more then just a repave.
Anyone who believes something like this could be fixed in a year has no braincell or an IQ of 50. Or maybe you enjoy being lied too you must love it... a year... I ask!
Thanks for your comment...! Updated the Video Description and the Pinned comment where all future updates will appear and I-40 is now 2028...! Hope it's sooner....
Where the road bed is completely gone it probably would be faster to put in bridge piers to put the road on instead of trying to fill all of that in with rock and dirt. Just my thought.
Or blast rock off the hillside to lessen rockslides and use as fill. They need to get a lot of the loose non competent rock off the hillsides anyways. Be interesting to see how they do it.
I believe the estimate of September 2025 is a total guess. Most of the people who have said that date said they found it on google. I haven't heard anything from a TN or NC official. I very well might be next year before they even start the work. The equipment needed is being used to did towns out to make them accessible to the world. I can easily see 40 taking well into 2026 or 27 before all lanes are open.
@@DestinationsAtoZ Voting only helps if you vote against the evil Marxists/communists/Democrats. And vote Against every single Bond issue. Government is much too big and much too corrupt.
Please, please, for the love of God, DO NOT consider the last route mentioned going through Greeneville to hwy. 70. That road is a two lane, narrow, extremely curvy, and STRAIGHT UP a mountain, plus, coming from North Carolina, it’s STRAIGHT DOWN, with no runaway truck sand ramps. If you lose brakes, you will simply lose control and go off the side of that mountain. We cannot handle the traffic and congestion, nor the jack knifed big rigs that will cause the people who live on that road more cheap grief and heartache than you could possibly imagine. They want to be able to get home from work or get to the hospital if they need to. Oh, and a blizzard and ice storm on that road? We won’t even talk about that mess. Actually, there are signs well before you start up the mountain that say no tractor trailers, so please obey the signs.
Town planners involved need prison time they consistently allowed house to be built in flood plain and sand bars why some apartment buildings are on the actual beach
Thanks for your comment....! You are absolutely correct.... right now it's difficult to get in and everyone that's there needs to help with rescues as some roads don't even exist now...only accessible via helicopter
To bad they could not use SB lanes of I-40. One day it could flow north, the next day south.. Reduce the speeds in the bad areas and go down to one lane. This will deeply affect the voting, and the left is counting on picking up NC and even Tenn.
The evil Left must not get what they think they want. _The Democrat Party Hates America_ recent book by radio talk show host Mark Levin. This has-been country is already in trouble due to the rampant government corruption. Even many former Democrats are defecting due to the radicalization and bad ideas. No doubt the evil Left is planning to cheat yet again, if they can somehow be allowed to get away with it. Trump won, ByeDone lost. Your alternate-days idea sounds interesting, yet like trying to power a heavy-current heater load through a damaged extension cord. It is going to require a better circuit in order to handle the traffic load. Why aren't there more alternative routes?
I 40 will be fully reopened well before the September 2025 estimate. Likely within 4 to 6 months. I was right, and the so-called experts were wrong, about the reopening of the collapsed interstates in California in the 90s, and about New Orleans after Katrina. And I will be right about this time line as well. You will see. Just as in those other instances, none of these individual repairs/highway redesign/rebuilds takes longer than 2 to 6 months. So therefore that's how long it will take to get the repairs done. Winter "may" slow it down by a month or so however. The companies involved will be put on a bonus system for speedy performance, and they WILL beat all deadlines. So prepare to be, as you said, "shocked".
He should not have mentioned hwy 70 as an alternate route, I guarantee you that someone driving a tractor trailer will try to use it and get hung up on it. This may have been the only route years ago but definitely not one that you want to use now. 53' trailers will not be able to clear some of the turns without taking the whole road and then it still might not be enough.
Thanks for your comment...! That's why I stated it's not for semi's or large RV's....I do realize some people will attempt but they would have anyway no matter what anyone says....
Truckers have easy access to information not readily available to non commercial drivers. Their brokers and owners relay information because lots of dollars are involved.
It makes my heart hurt to know that NC/TN/GA residents whose world has been turned upside down cant get as much help as needed because Biden/Harris spent $1B of FEMA money on catering to illegals that entered the country in last 3 years.
I think Sir-Rich....If you are close to i-75 from where you live then that would be best route or if you are closer to I-77 then I would use that all the way to Columbia, SC then hit I-26 to I-95....Hope you make it...!
They need to helicopters four wheelers if that is possible to take food water even motorcycles anyone who can get to these people if by foot they can’t live without water and food I’m praying for these people they have to help them they need someone who cares
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely... they are still a lot of communities that can't be reached by vehicle at this time and many, many, more without water for several weeks or months....!
Call in china and Japan. These countries make things happen. For just my thought. The pile driving should have already started. But wait where is a government? Sleeping and parties. But now that the dock works in there dumb choice. Well. Who is controlling who? This is my thoughts
@@Oldschoolrules123 Don't feed the trolls, it makes them fat and happy. The US government was there Sunday and already had massive loads of supplies flown in. C-17 Globemasters were landing with supplies, Blackhawks were flying those supplies to remote areas and private pilots from all over the Eastern US were using their own birds and fuel to distribute those supplies to even more remote areas where the Blackhawks couldn't land. In the event of catastrophic acts of nature like this, you don't drive over the people affected to start planning a rebuild. You save the people first and foremost, bridges and roads are replaceable, people aren't.
This is unacceptable time frame, shows how much the government gives a dam. They could have one lane open on 26 in three weeks, but they choose to punish the people who make their living on this route. Anyone remember how fast they cleared the bridge to open the port, or rebuild a bridge on 95. THANKS JOE for all your help, NOT.
You are correct. And it will be done MUCH sooner than a year from now. You can take my word for it. Below I'll repost something I wrote for a pessimist in this thread.
I 40 will be fully reopened well before the September 2025 estimate. Likely within 4 to 6 months. I was right, and the so-called experts were wrong, about the reopening of the collapsed interstates in California in the 90s, and about New Orleans after Katrina. And I will be right about this time line as well. You will see. Just as in those other instances, none of these individual repairs/highway redesign/rebuilds takes longer than 2 to 6 months. So therefore that's how long it will take to get the repairs done. Winter "may" slow it down by a month or so however. The companies involved will be put on a bonus system for speedy performance, and they WILL beat all deadlines.
This is called ‘under promise, over deliver’. They need to estimate much further out to account for weather delays and issues getting enough supplies and workers, as the entire area will be needing extensive materials, manpower, and equipment. If they state it will take 6-8 months, everyone will gripe about any delays. Plus, this is not a simple road repair or adding a lane or off-ramp. This is major league reconstruction in the mountains. No one is being punished. They are trying to prioritize hundreds of different projects over multiple states. It sucks but it all takes time.
Thanks for sharing this info with us dude. But your set designers have failed you miserably by making EVERYTHING way too small! Maybe you're working on a "small" budget, and they could only afford "tiny "building supplies and di all the work in "half" the time?? Regardless, you need to look into a better source of software editing products or even try AI to assist you. Cause bro.................. You look foolish! lmao.
UPDATE OCTOBER 5, 2024 - I-40 at TN/NC state line to be closed to sometime in 2028. I do think it will be open BEFORE this time....
UPDATE OCTOBER 2, 2024 - I-26 to remain closed in Erwin, TN until March 2025.
Where are you getting these dates? I can't find any place else that's giving out this information.
@@bongcrosby5598google maps said I-40 closed till Sept 2025 but NCDOT is saying they have no official date but expect it to be at least 4 or 5 months.
Interstate 77 in Wythe County Virginia is already congested on a good, sunny day. Constant backups and traffic jams particularly where it runs on top of Interstate 81. Beach travelers and construction make it worse. If you come this way please be careful, slow down, and be vigilant. I know because I live here. Holidays will be especially bad. Prepare for lengthy delays. Travel safely!
Thanks for your comment...! You are absolutely correct....and now with both I-26 and I-40 being closed it's just going to make a lot worse....😞
Nature is something we forget far too often. Let’s hope they rebuild it better.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely....it's something not to take lightly...
It's very costly to build roadways through the mountains. And it's near impossible to protect against nearly two feet of rain.
It's one thing to repair a road; it's another when there's not even anything left to build on. The way the rock wall looks behind I-40, I wonder if they blasted it to created the roadbed.
They did blast it
Thanks for your comment...! Yes, they had to blast all the way around through that area....
@@southerner66 the rock wall always been a problem. It’s a annual thing that section of 1-40 has problems
Yes, most of the road bed came from the mountain side . But now the mountain is just about vertical. So I don't see them blasting any more mountain.
This is the third time since 2004 that the fills got washed right out from under I-40. In 2004 it was Hurricanes Frances & Hugo, not sure what happened in 2010, but sections of I-40 wound up in the Pigeon River then too. Not to mention the numerous landslides that have deposited rocks, trees, and dirt onto the roadway. They never should have built an interstate through there - they should have built it following the US-70 route instead.
Thank you. Your presentation was so clear and precise. First time I've heard of these closures officially with dates and alternate routes. Amazed at how widespread the highway closures and bridges out were in the mountains of both NC and TN. Your maps made it so plain.
Thanks for your comment...! Really appreciate your kind words.... SAFE TRAVELS!!!
Thank you
Thank you for your comment....and you are very welcome....SAFE TRAVELS
Yes. VERY helpful. Thanks & God bless
Thanks for your comment...! And please continue praying for all affected....
This is so helpful. My son hasn’t been able to get from southern VA back home to Asheville. Thank you!
Thanks for your comment....! Praying your son will be able to return soon... PRAYERS are with you both....!
Please do NOT take the last recommended route from Bulls Gap to Greeneville towards Asheville. These roads in NC are very narrow, curvy and dangerous. The local traffic can NOT handle the excess traffic. Please stay on the interstate routes around our area.
Thanks for your comment...!
I remember when I has my going from NC to Johnson City though another problem with the road.
W NC/N GA STARLINK IS UP PASSWORD GONC TO COMM. W FAMILY. CRABTREE ROAD IN WAYNESVILLE NEAR MURPHY AND MCCONNEL CHURCH HAVE SHELTER/FOOD/WATER ACCEPT DONATIONS KINDLY.
ALL ROADS GONE IN THE N HELEN/SHOOTING AREA & HELICOPTERS CAN'T LAND ON THE MTN. I'M HKING IN SUPPLIES. BE THERE DIRECTLY MY FAMILY ARE STUCK SOME MISSING.
DO NOT ATTEMPT jaspers stay away unless you can hike w/ only compass which apparently FEDS CANNOT. ITS PLUMB DANGEROUS FOR JASPERS. NO CELL/INTERNET/POWER.
Not sure if you can get thru Marshall now. I do know tdot has a sign saying hwy 208 in NC closed to semis.
I'm Old.. I grew up in upstate Sc.. had relatives in east TN..... pre interstate it was a sunrise to dusk driving trip between the places on those narrow windy roads.. after the 26 and 40 it was like 3 hours.. looks like things are back to the 50's
I-81 southbound at Virginia mile marker 12.3 has a sinkhole that has closed one lane and the shoulder so expect detours and delays, keep your gas tank topped up as much as possible travelling anywhere in the region. Even if power is restored in an area, that doesn't mean the gas stations are operating.
Thank you very much for your comment! Also for letting all of our viewers know about the sinkhole and fuel advice....
Thanks for the update, it will hopefully help people to know what is going on and maybe save them lots of grief before they get there and make things worse.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely....
Thank you - very helpful!
Thanks for your comment....! Glad it's helped you...that's the whole purpose so you can make appropriate travel... SAFE TRAVEL
Thank you!
Thanks for your comment...! You are very welcome...!
If they can get I-26 back open it won't be quite as bad. The I-81 to I-26 detour is not nearly as bad between Knoxville and Asheville.
Thanks for your comment...! Totally agree....!
It will be months. I've seen drone video of I-26 in Erwin and complete sections of bridges were washed away on the south side of town. That will take time to repair even if there is no damage to the roadbed. There were other bridges just north of Erwin on the Nolichucky River that were also washed out limiting detours. This hurricane left a trail of destruction from the Florida coast all the way to Blacksburg, VA. It will affect tourism and commerce. Trucks that travel the area will have to detour on I-77 or I-75 and will add several hours to any destination. North Carolina stated on their DOT website that all roads in western North Carolina are considered closed.
@@larrypatty8333 Thanks for your comment... Absolutely correct...
Yes. Really need to focus on the damage to I-26 at Erwin, Tenn. since it's so required to detour traffic with I-40 west of Asheville, NC being impassable for at least the next 12 months.
Thank you. Excellent
Thanks for your comment...! You are very welcome...
The tunnel area has been repaired before. You can see the reinforced area above the river. Back in 1985-1986 I-40 was closed. Traveling multiple times between Lexington, K.Y. and Greenville during that year I took the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway and drove through Cherokee, NC to make this trip.
Thanks for your comment...! Totally agree...
Thanks.
Thanks for your comment....!
Note signs say no tractor and trailers on state route 70 from Greeneville
Thanks for your comment...!
Thank you
Thanks for your comment...! You are very welcome... SAFE TRAVELS
Came through the gorge Thursday morning as the major storm that dumped several inches of rain was moving out (this storm wasn't related to Helene but had thoroughly soaked the area and the rivers were starting to swell with the runoff) and was concerned about landslides even then. Then Helene hit. We returned home via I-95 to Savannah, I-16 to Macon, I-75 to Knoxville, I-40 through Knoxville, and US 11E.
Thanks for your comment....! Yes....it's absolutely made a mess of things and now the 2nd deadliest storm in the US next to Katrina. And now being told another might be taking same path next week.....😮
thank you sir
Thanks for your comment...! You are very welcome....SAFE TRAVELS!!!
I believe this 100% we were in the 500 year flood in Colorado pretty much identical to what this is it took a year working 24hrs 7 days a week to rebuild the roads it’s a huge undertaking.
Praying for my fellow North Carolinians stay strong❤️
Thanks for your comment...! Also thanks for your PRAYERS for everyone affected.....
@@stackingdimes6939 climate change is real. More on the way.
Listen to this when he says hwy70 isn't suited for large vehicles take it seriously that road is curvy. Look up the bridge over the nolichucky river and the damage from the flood at the base of the pillar. That bridge shakes a good bit when dump trucks goes over it.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely correct....
I used to drive a big rig through there hundreds of times, over 20 years. It's GONE!! 😢
Thanks for your comment...! Yes....it's truly a heartbreaking time now in Tennessee and North Carolina....😩
My son left Atlanta this morning and had to take his freightliner up I-75 heading to Ohio. He said it was a slow moving parking lot south of Kentucky!
Thanks for your comment...! SAFE TRAVELS!!!!
Google Maps confirms the 12/24"projection for the Erwin bridges replacement, tho I have to think a detour through Erwin across the Jackson Love Bridge should be possible now. The real problem are the closures in the I26 road cuts at the higher elevations. The notes there are projecting the closures wont be lifted until 3/25.
Thanks for your comment...! It might be possible to go through downtown Erwin eventually but not right now as they are attempting to do cleanup....
I-40 between black mountain and Marion is closed
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely correct....!
Stay safe y'all. Give yourself enough extra time to get to where you need to safely.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely....now is the time to consider others during the cleanup...
Law Enforcement is turning around semis on Hwy 70 south of Greeneville. Cannot go over mountain into NC.
Thanks for your comment...! No one other than local residents should be trying to go into western NC at this time....Until the map is changed from RED on NC side...
I 20 and I 75 has a lot of traffic on them from the road closures. Be patient and planned for longer travel times. Took this route 10/3/24.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely correct....SAFE TRAVELS
That was helpful
Thanks for your comment...!
UPDATE Oct 2nd: the prohibition on semis for Rt 70 is being lifted today.
It's a good thing that law enforcement is stopping semis from going into NC from TN on TN70. The S-curves there are weak and probably rain saturated. It's not a high speed road. 20 mph thru S curves.
Thanks for your comment...! Agree... They don't need to be going that way AT ALL....
Just curious, who supplied you with the timeframe you referenced.
Thanks for your comment...! This was provided by the TDOT and NCDOT....But please keep in mind these are estimates and subject to change and most likely will....
@@DestinationsAtoZ Those are tentative dates at the moment. Realistically, anyone that does not live in this area NEEDS to stay out until these areas can recover.
Thanks for your comment...! Totally agree.... EMERGENCY and SUPPLIES only now....
September 2025 really means February 2026
Hopefully not. There is some major $ moving across these roads. Money talks.
Thanks for your comment...!
Just hope they don't build them too fast and make a mistake
Or it means Dec. 2026.
Hop your butt out there get it done sooner loudmouth
Thank you for this information! Just sub’d and have shared video. 😢💔unbelievable devastation.
Thanks for your comment...! Thank you very much and SAFE TRAVELS!!!
Nice to know insurance companies are there to help make people's lives better. Yea, right!!
Thanks for your comment...!
@@DestinationsAtoZ I hope every insurance company in those states proves me wrong!
Totally agree...but everyone knows how they are.....and then rates go to the moon
My son lives just east of Hickory NC, I am in Southeast Missouri. My route to his home has been I40 since he went to NC after HS graduation.
On Sunday 9/29/2024, I did a google routing to him and it took be to I81 then a series of 2 lane mountain roads that NCDOT shows as closed to get to him. I have been on some of those 2 lane roads through the mounds. In a small crossover SUV, I believe that there were times I was seeing my own brake lights-switchbacks as I believe they are call were so hard of twists.
Thanks for your comment....! You are absolutely correct. There's a LOT of switchbacks through the mountains....PRAYING for everyone
What happened to quick repairs to major highways?
Thanks for your comments...! As much damage as these took, it would be almost impossible to get completed quicker and permanently.... I-40 this has happened 3 times just in the last 30years... That's 3 too many.
If the Highway 70, the alternate route to Asheville is used, can one actually access I-26 south towards Charleston? There is conflicting information on every site I’ve checked. TIA.
Thanks for your comment...! Yes... I-26 toward Charleston is now open....but shoulders are closed in some areas
@@DestinationsAtoZ I26 headed to Charleston has been a nightmare for a few years due to all the road construction.
@@timfleenor3705 Absolutely....always hate going through the construction area....never fun
Please update condition of 19E and hwy 143, my parents are up 143 in roan mountain,no power no cell no water. Thank you!
Thanks for your comment...! If any of our viewers can help this person... PLEASE REPLY....!
US19e is open from Mars Hill to Burnsville to Spruce Pine and about 4 miles into Avery County. It closes at nc194 Three Mile Rd. I drove from Spruce Pine to Weaverville NC on Saturday, posting this on 10-2-24.
I don’t know how far up Roan Mountain is open. I drove NC261 as far as Fork Mountain Rd yesterday. I don’t know about the TN side. The ridge top on Fork Mountain rd looked like a bomb exploded. I hate to think what the higher elevations of the Roan might look like. Prayers lifted for the safety of your family.
@@denveringram2304 thank you for the update
I remember when people going to NC would go to either 411 over the mountain, or go through hot springs.
Thanks for your comment...!
I cant believe I-26 will be opened in 2 months with both bridges collapsed. More like December 2025 or 26 and that could possibly be extended bending on many other factors like depending on the inspection of the rest of the bridge that didnt collapse.
Thanks for your comment...!
Maybe if DOT has some good weather they can get some work done.😊
I'm with you. I don't believe it
There was a bridge over the railroad near me. Just a simple two lane bridge. It was scheduled to take 3 years and they bragged about it when it was completed in two
I was telling people that, but they wouldn’t believe me. The ground that freeway sat on is just gone.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely correct...! Even in part of the WEST bound lanes of I-40
Take the 81 split north go to 77 south. 3000 miles over the road driving here. Tryst me.
Thanks for your comment...!
This is reminiscent of the damage to the main spillway at Oroville Dam in California.
Thus, an engineering firm like Kiewit Engineering needs to be brought in and a massive engineering/construction project needs to ramp-up.
I envision Secant Cutoff walls drilled and installed along the periphery of the river, followed by roller-compacted concrete installed to rebuild the road-bed.
Many thousands of tons of rip-rap limestone would then be laid on the riverbank to ensure that no further scour takes place.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.......................................
Thanks for your comment...! you are absolutely correct....
Im located in Greenville SC and need to get to Gatlinburg TN. What is the best route? TIA!
Thanks for your comment....! Most likely the best route for RV would be down I-85 and back up on I-75. Via car you might be able to find a closer route via 2 lane coming out in Cleveland, TN
Proof that hurricanes aren't just storms for the coasts to worry about.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely....
Hurricanes have been going inland since hurricanes started. Which is long before man walked the earth.
TN 70 closed to big trucks
Back in the 1980s, truckers used to run Hwy 70 all the time.
Thanks for your comment...!
Wow!
Thanks for your comment...!
Where can I find those maps of road closures? My mother is still Mia near Waynesville and we are trying to navigate out of the Bend in Fl! Tough time for our family from sea to mountains!
Thanks for your comment...! Praying that you find your mother ok....You can find them on NCDOT and TDOT....
Waynesville had some flooding ( mostly along Richland Creek) most people have power and water, cell phones and internet services are spotty
@@wduck6521 Thanks for you comment and update.... PRAYING...
I would not take SR 70 south over the Nolichucky River... at least not until they've had time to get engineers up there and check the abutments to the dam immediately above the bridge with a fine-toothed comb. The south side abutment - opposite the powerhouse - took a SEVERE beating and I'm seriously surprised it did not come down and take the bridge with it already. (Frankly that dam has been a ticking time bomb for decades; I grew up there, and when I visited the powerhouse circa 1980 it had long since been shut down due to silting.)
If I was to need to go to Carolina anytime soon, it's gonna involve wings or rotors... thanks Be, I don't.
Thanks for your comment...! They are working around the bridge now hoping to have it open back up next week....TVA announced the dam was at a RED level so now we will see if they shore it up....
Never too late for a good prayer However I think most people forgot to pray while Helene was in the Gulf of Mexico.
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely agree....
They don't mean robots, they mean buildings full of clerks typing in information that is already in the computers.
Thanks for your comment...!
Sweet, so I don't have to see my family for over a year!
Thanks for your comment...!
I-26 as soon as Dec. 2024?! That would be fantastic, but I don't see how. Multiple bridge collapses, and so much debris removal, which will reveal more damage. If it's open 12 months from now that would be an accomplishment.
The projected date for I-40 is very optimistic as well. More damage will reveal itself, and cleaning up the damaged areas along with getting the right repair machines and vehicles in there will be it's own challenge.
Thanks for your comment....! It's going to be tough and I think once things are cleaned up they will most likely revise the schedule... UPDATE : REVISED I-26 NOW TO MARCH 2025
Looks alot like what happened to I70 in Colorado a few years ago..just terrible
Thanks for your comment....! Absolutely never want to see anything like this EVER... We are being told there is another TS in gulf now that might take the same path...😩
Seems the concrete shoring along the interstate didn't really go underground, and allowed water to get underneath it and just wash it all out. Assume they'll get one side of i-40 open soon.
Thanks for your comment...! The problem is the west bound lanes are also washed out underneath the blacktop....Not going to be a quick fix... Last time was almost a year just for that and wasn't nearly as bad....
If they open one side, how will they be able to rebuild the other side???? They need a place for the heavy equipment, materials and construction traffic.
Is Hwy181 from Morganton Nc open? If it is, you can take it to Elizabethton Tn. I've taken that route many times in a truck.
Yes. I drove nc181 from Morganton to Pineola on Sunday (posting this on Tuesday 10-2). You can go through Newland, and access Elizabethton via the Gap Creek Rd. I understand US19E at Hampton TN is closed though. Gap creek rd may not be best suited for heavy trucks, not sure if it can accommodate them or not, but it’s said to be open.
Thanks for your comment...!
Thanks for your comment...!
As I write this (Oct 3), Google Maps shows 70 is closed in Allenstand and will be closed until Oct 10.
Edit: I see you have an updated video, but you might want to update the description as the algorithm sent me to this video and it's only because I checked your channel to see if you had newer videos that I saw you did.
Thanks for your comment...! Yes...this is correct...SAFE TRAVELS
One year to replace several miles of 4 lane interstate, its supports, and drainage, electrical, and everything else. I would fathom a guess I 40 will be shut down for 5 years, not one. It's gonna require more then just a repave.
Think back to i81 in West Virginia. 20 miles, and it took them 10 years. And all they did was add a lane.
The I76 in Pennsylvania 10 miles took 6 years. That was a resurface.
Anyone who believes something like this could be fixed in a year has no braincell or an IQ of 50. Or maybe you enjoy being lied too you must love it... a year... I ask!
Thanks for your comment...! Updated the Video Description and the Pinned comment where all future updates will appear and I-40 is now 2028...! Hope it's sooner....
How many times do people have to be told not to drive through the mother f....king water! They should have just climb on top of the buildings
Thanks for your comment...! Some people just don't think when approaching a flood situation and ends up costing them....it's sad but true...
Where the road bed is completely gone it probably would be faster to put in bridge piers to put the road on instead of trying to fill all of that in with rock and dirt. Just my thought.
Thanks for your comment...!
Or blast rock off the hillside to lessen rockslides and use as fill. They need to get a lot of the loose non competent rock off the hillsides anyways. Be interesting to see how they do it.
@@DouglasRees-c6j Thanks for your comment...!
It doesn't seem reasonable but that road can be opened by next September, that looks like two or three years worth of work.
Thanks for your comment...! Totally agree...
I believe the estimate of September 2025 is a total guess. Most of the people who have said that date said they found it on google. I haven't heard anything from a TN or NC official. I very well might be next year before they even start the work. The equipment needed is being used to did towns out to make them accessible to the world. I can easily see 40 taking well into 2026 or 27 before all lanes are open.
Thanks for your comment...! It's not going to be a quick fix...if it is we will be right back in same shape again....
how does a common guy have access to such a nice studio?
Thanks for your comment....! It's called knowing someone that can help....
This storm has created a halt to being able to vote..!!!!!!!
Thanks for your comment....! In some of the most devastated communities it sure has....which is never good...
@@DestinationsAtoZ
Voting only helps if you vote against the evil Marxists/communists/Democrats. And vote Against every single Bond issue. Government is much too big and much too corrupt.
Does anyone know the truck routes
Thanks for your comment...! Truck routes will be I-77 or I-75 this will be the only 2 options....
@@DestinationsAtoZ Thank You
What about the train tracks?
Thanks for your comment....! Sorry...haven't heard or looked but in some pics I have seen trees and all kinds of stuff are on the tracks...
That Asheville highway is not idea at all
Thanks for your comment...! That's why I said VERY curvy and a lot of switchbacks....SAFE TRAVELS
Imagine the Chinese taking a year to repair I-40...
Thanks for your comment...!
Please, please, for the love of God, DO NOT consider the last route mentioned going through Greeneville to hwy. 70. That road is a two lane, narrow, extremely curvy, and STRAIGHT UP a mountain, plus, coming from North Carolina, it’s STRAIGHT DOWN, with no runaway truck sand ramps. If you lose brakes, you will simply lose control and go off the side of that mountain. We cannot handle the traffic and congestion, nor the jack knifed big rigs that will cause the people who live on that road more cheap grief and heartache than you could possibly imagine. They want to be able to get home from work or get to the hospital if they need to. Oh, and a blizzard and ice storm on that road? We won’t even talk about that mess. Actually, there are signs well before you start up the mountain that say no tractor trailers, so please obey the signs.
supertruckers can do it
Thanks for your comment...! That's why I mentioned this should not be considered for Semi's or Large RV's....
Please consider moving from hurricane prone areas.
@@talibanParadeyou realize they are in the mountains right?
@@SuperBobblehead77 Did they get hit by a huge hurricane or not?
I heard closed until 2028
Thanks for your comment...! Already updated the Video Description and the Pinned comment where all future updates will appear...!
Town planners involved need prison time they consistently allowed house to be built in flood plain and sand bars why some apartment buildings are on the actual beach
Thanks for your comment...!
NC is the you can't get there from here state. And the we take twice as long as a union workers state to build anything infrastructure.
Thanks for your comment....! You are absolutely correct.... right now it's difficult to get in and everyone that's there needs to help with rescues as some roads don't even exist now...only accessible via helicopter
To bad they could not use SB lanes of I-40. One day it could flow north, the next day south.. Reduce the speeds in the bad areas and go down to one lane. This will deeply affect the voting, and the left is counting on picking up NC and even Tenn.
Thanks for your comment...!
The evil Left must not get what they think they want. _The Democrat Party Hates America_ recent book by radio talk show host Mark Levin. This has-been country is already in trouble due to the rampant government corruption. Even many former Democrats are defecting due to the radicalization and bad ideas.
No doubt the evil Left is planning to cheat yet again, if they can somehow be allowed to get away with it. Trump won, ByeDone lost.
Your alternate-days idea sounds interesting, yet like trying to power a heavy-current heater load through a damaged extension cord. It is going to require a better circuit in order to handle the traffic load. Why aren't there more alternative routes?
Army cor can deploy bridges.
Thanks for your comment...!
L be shocked if I 40 opens before mid 2026
I 40 will be fully reopened well before the September 2025 estimate. Likely within 4 to 6 months. I was right, and the so-called experts were wrong, about the reopening of the collapsed interstates in California in the 90s, and about New Orleans after Katrina. And I will be right about this time line as well. You will see. Just as in those other instances, none of these individual repairs/highway redesign/rebuilds takes longer than 2 to 6 months. So therefore that's how long it will take to get the repairs done. Winter "may" slow it down by a month or so however. The companies involved will be put on a bonus system for speedy performance, and they WILL beat all deadlines. So prepare to be, as you said, "shocked".
Thanks for your comment....!
Anybody know about Murphy NC?
Thanks for your question.... I have not heard anything, however, if any of our viewers can answer this question for them please do for HELPING....!
@@DestinationsAtoZ Thank you!
I know it’s as far as you can go in NC
@@williambranham6249 yes, I lived there and I am trying to locate a couple friends to see if they are ok
Why the fake set? Just say it and be done with it. 🤦
Thanks for your comment...!
He should not have mentioned hwy 70 as an alternate route, I guarantee you that someone driving a tractor trailer will try to use it and get hung up on it. This may have been the only route years ago but definitely not one that you want to use now. 53' trailers will not be able to clear some of the turns without taking the whole road and then it still might not be enough.
Thanks for your comment...! That's why I stated it's not for semi's or large RV's....I do realize some people will attempt but they would have anyway no matter what anyone says....
Truckers have easy access to information not readily available to non commercial drivers. Their brokers and owners relay information because lots of dollars are involved.
I've cleared it with a 53
It makes my heart hurt to know that NC/TN/GA residents whose world has been turned upside down cant get as much help as needed because Biden/Harris spent $1B of FEMA money on catering to illegals that entered the country in last 3 years.
Thanks for your comment...! You are exactly correct.... they are now saying they don't have enough money...ugh😞
How is that even possible when ByeDone lost? What is wrong with this has-been country?
Is I-40 in the Charlotte area good to go
I-40 doesn’t go anywhere near Charlotte
Thanks for your comment...! I-40 goes through Winston Salem and Greensboro not Charlotte.....
I think Sir-Rich....If you are close to i-75 from where you live then that would be best route or if you are closer to I-77 then I would use that all the way to Columbia, SC then hit I-26 to I-95....Hope you make it...!
@DestinationsAtoZ Thanks brother. To bad you can't make it.
I-40 is fine, east of I-77. West, not so much.
They need to helicopters four wheelers if that is possible to take food water even motorcycles anyone who can get to these people if by foot they can’t live without water and food I’m praying for these people they have to help them they need someone who cares
Thanks for your comment...! Absolutely... they are still a lot of communities that can't be reached by vehicle at this time and many, many, more without water for several weeks or months....!
Call in china and Japan. These countries make things happen. For just my thought. The pile driving should have already started. But wait where is a government? Sleeping and parties. But now that the dock works in there dumb choice. Well. Who is controlling who? This is my thoughts
Thanks for your comment...!
Too bad you don't have a clue as to what you are talking about.
@@Oldschoolrules123 Don't feed the trolls, it makes them fat and happy. The US government was there Sunday and already had massive loads of supplies flown in. C-17 Globemasters were landing with supplies, Blackhawks were flying those supplies to remote areas and private pilots from all over the Eastern US were using their own birds and fuel to distribute those supplies to even more remote areas where the Blackhawks couldn't land. In the event of catastrophic acts of nature like this, you don't drive over the people affected to start planning a rebuild. You save the people first and foremost, bridges and roads are replaceable, people aren't.
This is unacceptable time frame, shows how much the government gives a dam.
They could have one lane open on 26 in three weeks, but they choose to punish the people who make their living on this route.
Anyone remember how fast they cleared the bridge to open the port, or rebuild a bridge on 95.
THANKS JOE for all your help, NOT.
We have to send billions to Ukraine and Israel and don't have money for America and Americans, didn't you know that?
You are correct. And it will be done MUCH sooner than a year from now. You can take my word for it. Below I'll repost something I wrote for a pessimist in this thread.
I 40 will be fully reopened well before the September 2025 estimate. Likely within 4 to 6 months. I was right, and the so-called experts were wrong, about the reopening of the collapsed interstates in California in the 90s, and about New Orleans after Katrina. And I will be right about this time line as well. You will see. Just as in those other instances, none of these individual repairs/highway redesign/rebuilds takes longer than 2 to 6 months. So therefore that's how long it will take to get the repairs done. Winter "may" slow it down by a month or so however. The companies involved will be put on a bonus system for speedy performance, and they WILL beat all deadlines.
This is called ‘under promise, over deliver’. They need to estimate much further out to account for weather delays and issues getting enough supplies and workers, as the entire area will be needing extensive materials, manpower, and equipment. If they state it will take 6-8 months, everyone will gripe about any delays. Plus, this is not a simple road repair or adding a lane or off-ramp. This is major league reconstruction in the mountains. No one is being punished. They are trying to prioritize hundreds of different projects over multiple states. It sucks but it all takes time.
@@donnastimsonramey3281 Agreed, 100 percent!
1 year!!! Ha ha
Thanks for your comment...! I agree it will be hard to get done...
My goddess!
Thanks for your comment...!
China would have this fixed inn3 months tops
so go live in China.
we simply do not have enough Styrofoam or ramen noodles in this part of the country
@@Monstufpud 😂😂😂 that’s so so prejudice. They don’t even eat Ramen
Yeah, tofu dreg construction is fast no doubt, but it’s total 💩.
@@KayTee-x9u I know, they use it with super glue as construction material
The South has fallen once again 😮
Nah. We ain't Detroit or Baltimore 🤣
You must be stupid.
@@chrisalley6282 and it will rise
Thanks for your comment...!
time to get that money printer printing
Thanks for your comment...! Yes...this will be in the billions to fix if not trillions...😞
Why do you want hyper-inflation? You need productive work to produce wealth. Not high taxes funding rampant government corruption.
Thanks for sharing this info with us dude. But your set designers have failed you miserably by making EVERYTHING way too small! Maybe you're working on a "small" budget, and they could only afford "tiny "building supplies and di all the work in "half" the time?? Regardless, you need to look into a better source of software editing products or even try AI to assist you. Cause bro.................. You look foolish! lmao.
Thanks for your comment and feedback...!
You're way too big for that desk
Thanks for your comment...!