I-40 is closed between Exit 20 and the Tennessee State Line due to a rockslide and flooding in Tennessee on June 18. A detour is in place. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/traffic/2025/06/25/i-40-closed-today-interstate-40-reopen-july-3-fourth-of-july-travel/84334782007/

I-40 West is closed between Exit 20 and the Tennessee State Line due to a rockslide and flooding in Tennessee. Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and to use the following detour:

Take Exit 53B (I-240 West) and follow I-240 West for 5 miles to Exit 4A (I-26 West). Follow I-26 West 74 miles, crossing into Tennessee, to Exit 8A (I-81 South). Follow I-81 Southbound 57 miles to re-access I-40 at Mile Marker 421 in Tennessee.

Traffic originating from Points East of Winston-Salem should take Exit 193-B (US-52 North) and follow US-52 North for 34 miles to Left Exit 140 (I-74 West). Follow I-74 West for 12 miles and keep right to take I-77 North toward Wytheville, VA.  Follow I-77 North for 38 miles, crossing into Virginia, until merging with I-81 South at Fort Chiswell, VA. Continue on I-81 South for 156 miles, crossing into Tennessee, to re-access I-40 at Mile Marker 421 in Tennessee.

Traffic originating between Winston-Salem and Statesville should take Exit 152-B for I-77 North.  Continue on I-77 North for 87 miles, crossing into Virginia, until merging with I-81 South at Fort Chiswell, VA. Continue on I-81 South for 156 miles, crossing into Tennessee, to re-access I-40 at Mile Marker 421 in Tennessee.

Please note: Large commercial vehicles are prohibited in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (including US 441) 

Alternate Routes to TN