NCDOT announces reopening of interstate closed by Hurricane Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced the reopening of Interstate 40 on Saturday morning.

I-40 was destroyed by Hurricane Helene five months ago. Flash flooding along the Pigeon River damaged large sections of the eastbound lanes near the Tennessee line.

READ: Stretch of I-40 damaged during Helene getting ready to reopen

NCDOT reopened one lane in each direction on Saturday morning. The stretch extends about 12 miles from Exit 7 in North Carolina to Exit 447 in Tennessee.

The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph and lanes have been narrowed with reduced shoulders.

Standard 18-wheelers are allowed on the interstate, but wide loads are required to take alternate routes.

WATCH: Stretch of I-40 damaged during Helene getting ready to reopen