Advisory: AdvantageWest Region Still Accessible Despite Rock Slide
Date Posted: 11/15/2009
A massive rock slide on I-40 that has closed the interstate near the Tennessee-North Carolina border continues to confuse visitors and citizens who wonder about the accessibility of businesses, universities and communities within the AdvantageWest 23-county region.
However, it’s business as usual for most of the region. The rock slide occurred just inside North Carolina-Tennessee border and I-40 is open all the way to Exit 20 (U.S. Hwy. 276). On the Tennessee side, the interstate is open to Exit 451.
This means there is no problem traveling from the east if you are going to Murphy, Western Carolina University, Franklin, Waynesville or any of the other communities in Western North Carolina. Simply take Exit #27 from I-40 for these destinations, as usual, which is seven miles east of the area where the interstate has been closed. For a point of reference, Asheville is located approximately 47 miles east of the slide area and approximately 23 miles east of where the Interstate is closed.
Outside of the AdvantageWest region, for those traveling to or from Charlotte, Raleigh, Greenville, Charleston, Atlanta, Johnson City, Lynchburg, or Richmond, you can take the normal route. For those headed to or from the Knoxville, TN area, an alternate route on I-26 North through Asheville and Madison County provides an opportunity to experience the new section of the interstate. This route goes to Johnston City and I-81.
A map is available here for the I-26 detour and directions for a second alternate route on the Dixie Highway.
Information on current road conditions:
* NC Department of Transportation Traveler Information Management System website.
* Call 511, the state’s free travel information line.
* NCDOT information can also be followed on Twitter.
* Scenic routes throughout the state.
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Testimonial
In an effort to respond to the diverse economic development needs of North Carolina, then State Representative Martin Nesbitt introduced legislation creating the regional economic development partnerships. It was this extraordinary insight that allowed AdvantageWest to become one of the most innovative and nimble economic development programs in the state.
Gordon S. Myers
Founding Chair
AdvantageWest Board of Directors
Amanda Baranski
, Executive Assistant & Assistant Corporate Secretary
AdvantageWest
134 Wright Brothers Way
Fletcher, NC 28732
ph. 828-687-7234
fx. 828-687-7552
Email Amanda Baranski
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