Headed to Knoxville this weekend?
Leave now.
The pretty drive through the mountains got a lot longer after a weekend rockslide shut down a section of I-40 west of Asheville near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. It could be closed for months, officials say.
Received the following e-mail from a Gamecocks’ fan who lives in Asheville. Seems as though the NCDOT’s detour was off a bit. Sorry about that. Anyway, here’s a local’s suggestion:
The rock slide will definitely cause a longer trip but it’s not nearly as long as it seems. It will take about 45-50 extra minutes but the views you will see on that route will be unbelievable compared to the other route. Your directions may have been off a little as well. Travelers will follow I-26 to Asheville and will then see signs for the new I-26. This will put them on I-240 EAST for about 5 miles and then hit US 19/23 (aka new I-26 West) towards Johnson City. They will then hit I-81 south towards Knoxville just after Johnson City. But I promise you, this is the quickest way by far. Some routes may look quicker on a map but the roads are horrible
Traffic coming into Asheville on 26 from Columbia is horrible this time of year on Fridays, especially from 3-6 pm. I would advise people to try and avoid coming through here at that time
The North Carolina DOT recommends this detour: For drivers traveling west, take I-40 West to I-240 West in Asheville to I-26 West. Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South in Tennessee and back to I-40.
Forget flying, unless you want to pay $1,000 and make a connection in Charlotte or Atlanta.
Better just to put in some music, expect delays and enjoy the views.