Major I-40 Closures From Flooding & Rockslides Disrupt Oversize Routes — Here’s How My PEVO Can Help

Allegra Al Smadi
Jun 19
2 min read

Interstate 40, a vital east-west corridor for commercial freight, has been completely shut down again near the North Carolina–Tennessee state line, due to heavy flooding, landslides, and road washouts, according to ABC News, WSOC-TV, Knox News, and WITN.

A combination of fast-rising floodwaters and a rockslide has forced the full closure of I-40 at the Tennessee–North Carolina border.

What Happened?

Multiple landslides and rockfalls have caused significant damage to I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge, a mountainous stretch between Newport, TN and Waynesville, NC.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) have closed both directions of the interstate for safety inspections and debris removal.
Officials warn that ongoing rain could trigger additional slides, and there is no firm timetable for reopening.
These closures come just weeks after similar flood damage had already weakened the infrastructure in the region.

What This Means for Oversize Loads

For carriers and drivers hauling oversize or overdimensional freight, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a logistical nightmare:

Detours through smaller roads may not be approved for oversize travel
Re-routing requires new permits and pilot car coordination
Load-specific limitations (height, weight, clearances) must be reconsidered on the fly
State-specific DOT rules across multiple jurisdictions make it easy to fall out of compliance during emergency re-routing

Where My PEVO Comes In

At My PEVO, this is exactly the kind of situation we’re built for. We specialize in pilot car dispatching, permit acquisition, and route planning — and we’re here to help you keep moving, safely and legally, when disaster strikes.

Here’s what we’re already doing for our clients:

✓ Emergency Permit Adjustments

We’re working directly with DOTs in NC and TN to reprocess permits for alternate routes, fast.

✓ Real-Time Detour Planning

Our route specialists are helping drivers pivot to compliant detours, including across Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia, where needed.

✓ Pilot Car Dispatch — Fast

We’re deploying lead cars, chase cars, and height pole escorts to assist with safe navigation on unfamiliar or narrow detour routes.

✓ Compliance Made Simple

We track your load’s requirements and ensure every step of the route meets DOT standards — so you don’t have to worry about legal exposure or fines.

The Road Ahead May Change. Your Support Shouldn’t.

Flooding. Rockslides. Washouts. Delays. All of these are unpredictable — but your support team doesn’t have to be.

If you’re a carrier, broker, or dispatcher trying to stay ahead of the current I-40 situation (or just avoid the next one), partner with a company that’s built for oversize loads and ready to move when you are.

✆ Call My PEVO today at 980-998-0225 or Visit www.mypevo.com to request permits or pilot car service now.