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OPINION

Try a different detour around I-40 shutdown

Sunday, November 8, 2009
(Updated 3:00 am)

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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Sawdust

November 8, 2009 - 10:36 am EST

Another route is U.S. 421 to Boone, then U.S. 321 to I-26. Even more scenic.

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