United States - September 28, 2024

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing flood crisis, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced the closure of both on and off ramps at Exit 447 on Interstate 40, known locally as Hartford Road. This critical access point, situated in Cocke County, has become impassable due to severe flooding, further isolating communities and complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

The flooding, attributed to the overflow of the Pigeon River, has not only submerged significant sections of I-40 but also compromised the structural integrity of the surrounding infrastructure. This closure marks a significant blow to the region, already grappling with the broader closure of I-40 East at Mile Marker 432, a situation exacerbated by landslides and road collapses as reported by social media and local emergency broadcasts.