Thank you for reporting on the closing of I-40 in Haywood County. While some may say, “Why bother? It’s 200 miles away,” I travel for a living and that is important information for me.
While the state suggests traveling to Asheville and taking I-26 to I-81 to avoid this, a Triad resident heading to Tennessee (or points west) can actually save 30 to 45 minutes by taking U.S. 52 West from Winston-Salem to I-73 at Mount Airy. Take I-73 to I-77 North, and I-77 North to I-81 South. You will rejoin I-40 about 30 miles this side of Knoxville. This is a beautiful and easy drive and is only about 10 minutes longer than when I-40 is open.
You can also fill up in Virginia, saving 7.1 cents per gallon on gas taxes as North Carolina has the highest gasoline taxes of any of our neighboring states by a wide margin.
Tim Tessier
Greensboro
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