SYLVA – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation anticipates closing one lane of Interstate 40 eastbound on Sunday night at mile marker 19 exiting the Pigeon River Gorge in order to repair a bridge.
Crews from Buckeye Bridge in Canton will start the lane closure at 5 p.m. and work through the night to repair spots on the outside lane of a bridge on I-40 over Jonathan Creek and White Oak Road. NCDOT crews will be flagging local traffic underneath the bridge as a safety precaution. Crews may need to work on Monday and into Monday night to complete the operation.
Drivers will notice warning signs several miles ahead of the lane closure and be funneled to the inside lane before the bridge. No detour will be needed this lane closure.
The exact dates have not been finalized for crews to repair the westbound lanes, which will require both lanes to be closed heading into the Pigeon River Gorge. A detour for this upcoming project will direct drivers through Asheville to Kingsport and down I-81.
Transportation officials advise drivers to plan additional time into travel plans and follow posted detour signs and digital message boards. Drivers should slow down, pay attention and be aware in any work zone.