Truckers are being warned to avoid using US 441/Newfound Gap Road despite recent road changes. This two-lane road, connecting North Carolina and Tennessee, presents dangers for oversized commercial vehicles.
What's happening: Recent hurricanes have blocked I-40 and I-26, leaving limited routes between the two states. US 441 is open but only for passenger vehicles.
- The Great Smoky National Park Service is turning away commercial vehicles, reminding truckers of the road's steep and winding nature.
- Alternative routes must be found as other smaller roads like US 129, known as "Tail of the Dragon," also restrict larger trucks over 30 feet.
Why it matters: Truckers play a crucial role in maintaining supply chains, especially in areas hit by storms. It's vital for them to find safe, legal routes to keep goods flowing.
The impact of closures is significant, as these highways are expected to remain closed into 2025, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The efforts to redirect commercial traffic aim to ensure safety and prevent potential accidents on roads not built for large trucks.