Damaged section of I-40 sees first traffic spike since reopening in March
HARTFORD, Tenn. (WATE) — With the long holiday weekend coming to an end, thousands took to the roads Monday to either kickstart their summer vacation or make their way back home. Regardless, Interstate 40 saw a healthy dose of traffic throughout the day, including an area still recovering from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
For a time on Monday, the section of I-40 reduced to a single lane in each direction was extremely backed up. The Memorial Day holiday weekend provided the first major spike in traffic the road has seen since the road reopened in March.
Black bear found in Bell County, Kentucky home
Around 5:00 p.m. Monday, the eastbound lane of I-40 in Tennessee was sitting at a standstill for close to 30 minutes as traffic was forced to merge into a single lane heading toward the state line. As for westbound traffic, it was smooth sailing near the Hartford exit, but it wasn't always that way for people coming from the Carolinas.
'I'm glad it's open, it was a little slower than I would hope but that's alright,' Jim Woodbridge, who was heading back home to Michigan after attending the NASCAR race in Charlotte over the weekend.
'This was worse than the traffic I encountered down there. We went down about a week early and I left mid-morning today,' Woodbridge said. 'My daughter was up from Atlanta and she's back home already.'
Gold Star Father shares about his veteran son while taking the last Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride
This was Woodbridge's first time driving on this stretch of road since it reopened following Helene. The damage was nothing like he has ever seen.
'I want to say awesome, but in a bad way. The devastation, you can see all of that. I'm glad it wasn't life and limb in those down the creek, down the river,' Woodbridge explained. 'Those guys have a lot of work to do to get it back.'
While there is no timeline for when all lanes will be re-opened, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation's website, traffic is currently down to one lane in either direction for approximately 12 miles. They add, there are no exits for gas stations or convenience stores within that stretch and speeds will be posted between 35 and 40 miles per hour. In other words, expect delays during the summer driving season.
Three adults, three children rescued after watercraft hit a tree on Pigeon River
Woodbridge also told 6 News he was hoping the weather would be a little bit better so he could see the Smoky Mountains. He added that he plans on getting home in the next day and a half or so.
The work zone extends from mile marker 446 in Tennessee to roughly mile marker 7 in North Carolina. Keep in mind, you can still take I-81 North to the Tri-Cities and then I-26 South to Asheville to avoid any possible delays.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
NASCAR Cup Series Driver Sells Mansion for 3 Times Its Cost in $12.2M Deal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has sold his 9,100 square foot estate in Mooresville, North Carolina, for an impressive $12.2 million, which is nearly three times the amount he paid for it in 2013. Stenhouse Jr. has been making news lately, especially after his second clash with Carson Hocevar in Mexico. The Hyak Motorsports driver threatened Hocevar for making contact during the race. However, things appear to be going smoothly for Stenhouse Jr. off the race track. The Wall Street Journal broke the news of Stenhouse Jr.'s real estate sale near Lake Norman, an area where several NASCAR drivers reside due to the close proximity to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Before Stenhouse Jr., the property was owned by NASCAR drivers Ernie Irvan and Joe Nemechek. Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Telcel Chevrolet, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Fun Pops Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15,... Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Telcel Chevrolet, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Fun Pops Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. MoreAfter making the purchase in 2013 for $3.8 million, Stenhouse Jr. and his family made changes to the property's backyard, adding two swimming pools and a cabana. However, with the property already sold, it is reported that Stenhouse Jr. and his wife, Madyson Stenhouse, have purchased land next to the previously owned property, spanning 160 acres, where they plan to build a house. The reason for the real estate sale is not known, but it is noteworthy that the property was offered for sale in 2022 for $15.995 million. According to Josh Tucker of Corcoran HM Properties, a buyer made a strong offer for cash that was difficult for the Stenhouses to refuse. The buyer's identity remains hidden, but it is confirmed that he is not a NASCAR driver. Speaking of Lake Norman, NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr.'s private European-style home has been on sale in the same area for $7.5 million. The approximately 14,000 square foot property sits on a 4.82-acre land parcel. Listed on Zillow, the property features 5 bedrooms and 9 baths. There's also plenty of space for parking cars and a garage to work on them. Not to forget a gym, theater, custom bar, and game area, or the infinity pool and a private dock with a boat lift outside. Newsweek Sports reported the listing, which stated: "Home to NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr., this private European-style estate on Lake Norman offers over 14,000 sq ft of luxury living on almost 5 gated, waterfront acres. A tree-lined drive leads to a stunning main house, carriage house with guest apartment, and expansive workshop/garage. "The main home features a grand living room with soaring ceilings and lake views, a chef's kitchen, formal dining, and a main-level primary suite with a spa bath and 2-story closet. Upstairs offers en-suite guest rooms and a second office with a loft. The finished basement includes a custom bar, theater, gym, and game area. Outside, enjoy a resort-style infinity pool, waterfall, fire pit, and private dock with boat lift. "A detached garage with finished space above adds even more flexibility. This home is perfect for a car enthusiast, with ample amount of garage spaces and workshop. An entertainer's dream and rare waterfront offering—experience luxury lake living with a championship pedigree."
Fox News
5 hours ago
- Fox News
How to watch 2025 NASCAR Pocono: Schedule, start time, TV channel for The Great American Getaway 400
Print Close Published June 20, 2025 The NASCAR Cup Series rolls into the scenic Pocono Mountains for the 2025 Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. With its signature triangular layout and high-speed corners, the "Tricky Triangle" always delivers unpredictable action and thrilling finishes. Here's what you need to know about the race, how to watch and more. When is The Great American Getaway 400? The Great American Getaway 400 is scheduled for Sunday, June 22nd at 2 p.m. ET. Where is the race? The Great American Getaway 400 will take place at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA. How long is the race? The Great American Getaway 400 will consist of three stages for 160 laps across 400 miles. Where can I watch The Great American Getaway 400? What channel will it be on? The race will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video. How can I stream or watch the race without cable? The Great American Getaway 400 can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. What is the Pocono Raceway Schedule? Friday, June 20th Saturday, June 21st Sunday, June 22nd NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 - 2 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime) Who is driving in the race? There are 37 drivers entered into The Great American Getaway 400. Qualifying starts on Saturday, 6/21. Print Close URL
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
RAM Announces NASCAR Cup Series Entry Timeline
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Days after Stellantis' RAM Trucks announced its 2026 NASCAR Truck Series entry at Michigan International Speedway, CEO Tim Kuniskis has now confirmed the timeline for the brand's entry into the top-tier Cup Series. RAM's entry into NASCAR makes it the first OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in the sport since Toyota introduced its Tundra in 2004. While RAM hasn't formed a team yet, Kuniskis confidently shared during the announcement that the brand would be ready to race at Daytona next year. He also hinted that the ultimate goal is to race in the Cup Series and that the Truck Series serves as a step to enter the sport. He said: "There will be more details on our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program later this year. We are undoubtedly having fun with this project, and I truly look forward to sharing information on our team and how getting back on track relates to the future of Ram performance." (L-R) Tim Kuniskis, CEO Ram Brand - Stellantis, NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O'Donnell and John Probst, SVP of Innovation and Racing Development pose at the Ram display on the midway for the announcement that... (L-R) Tim Kuniskis, CEO Ram Brand - Stellantis, NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O'Donnell and John Probst, SVP of Innovation and Racing Development pose at the Ram display on the midway for the announcement that the Ram brand will return to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition, prior to the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. MoreHe added: "We'll be on track in Daytona in eight months, and the way we're going to do it is unlike anyone else. "We're looking for a date to the prom right now. So how am I going to get to Cup? That's going to depend on how I get to Truck. So however we get to Truck is going to obviously weigh heavily on 'do I have a path to Cup?' Our intention is not to do a one-hit wonder and go to Truck and not to Cup. That's not our plan." Now, Kuniskis has revealed further details on the RAM Trucks' plans to enter the Cup Series in 2027, a year after the brand's Truck Series entry. Speaking with Kevin Harvick on NASCAR on FOX, he said: "Coming into Truck [Series] is a lot easier than coming into Cup [Series], and that's why we were really confident with all the work that we've done on the Truck to say we'll be in Daytona. "Now, TBD who the team's gonna be but we have every confidence that we're going to be in Daytona." He added: "It's gonna take a little bit longer to get to Cup. Our goal is to get the Cup a year after that [2027]. "Now, everybody's told me we're crazy. 'There's no way you're gonna get there.' But we think there's a couple of things from our legacy that might speed that development time up. And maybe we could be in Daytona this [coming] year with Truck, and then the following year, Daytona in Cup. "A lot of very smart people, smarter than me have told me you better plan on two years to get back to Cup. But TBD, I'm always pushing for the quicker timeline, so I'm hoping that it's 2027. 2026 for Truck and 2027 for Cup."
