The Asheville area and the mountains of Western North Carolina remain accessible from the east, south and north after a rock slide along Interstate 40 at the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Travelers heading to Asheville from the west may use the following detour options (as of 10/25/09):  

Express Route via Scenic Interstate Byway

The NC Department of Transportation advises I-40 travelers from the west to take I-81 north to Johnson City, then I-26 east to Asheville. The I-26 route adds roughly 50 minutes to the travel time, and is one of the nation’s only interstate Scenic Byways. I-26 takes motorists through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering scenic observation points, a welcome center and stunning views of the highest peaks in the East.

Detour Option via Dixie Highway

Travelers coming from the west on I-40 may also take exit 432-B for US-25/US-70 toward Newport. After Newport, TN, 25/70 becomes the Dixie Highway. Follow signs to stay on 25/70. Shortly after entering North Carolina, you will pass through the town of Hot Springs. Continue until you reach I-26. Take I-26 east to get to Asheville. This route adds roughly 30 minutes to the travel time and is a beautiful scenic mountain highway. Passenger vehicles only are permitted on this road–it is not a commercial travel route (i.e. motorcoach, RVs or dual-axle vehicles). Please consider possible weather and traffic congestion issues on this winding two-lane road.

Travelers heading west from Asheville to Cherokee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Ski Area and points west should take Exit 27 off I-40 (Great Smoky Mountains Expy/US-19/US-23/US-74).