landslide on I-40: look for much heavier traffic through Johnson City... (Franklin: home, construction)

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

I-26 doesn't meet I-40. You can turn left onto I-81 right outside of Gray, and 81 dumps onto 40 near Dandridge.

I can't see this area having the tremendous growth and traffic of the Triangle area for many, many years. There would have to be so many investments made, so much growth of business...

I-26 on the South side of Asheville where it hits I-40 running to the NW.. Canton ...Hartford heading towards Knoxville is that the area of the slide around the Cherokee National Forest on I-40 ? Or is it further north on 81 coming into I-40 ?

[mbmouse]

The rock slide happened about where it did last time, in the switch backs. It is right at the TN/NC border, just south (a few miles) of Hartford TN. No where near 81, 26 or any other highway, that is why the 200 or so mile detor (if you are 40 traveling east already) is such a pain and is gaining JC hotels such an income boost.

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

The rock slide happened about where it did last time, in the switch backs. It is right at the TN/NC border, just south (a few miles) of Hartford TN. No where near 81, 26 or any other highway, that is why the 200 or so mile detour (if you are 40 traveling east already) is such a pain and is gaining JC hotels such an income boost.

I'm just trying to get a reference point... So it's near the N.C ~ TN border on I-40.. So that's some where near Hartford area.. correct.
So if your coming from Asheville you would have to go North on I-26 up to 81 then back towards Knoxville... ? In stead of I-40 from Asheville to Knoxville..

[mbmouse]

Correct.
There is also the option of Hwy 70 in Asheville north to Greeneville to 11E to pick up 81 then to 40. That would cut off a lot of miles, however there are several places on 70 that are hair pin turns. So if you have a large vehicle that is a tip hazzard...maybe not a good choice, but if you have a little sports car and like "fun" roads, this is a great option!

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

Correct.
There is also the option of Hwy 70 in Asheville north to Greeneville to 11E to pick up 81 then to 40. That would cut off a lot of miles, however there are several places on 70 that are hair pin turns. So if you have a large vehicle that is a tip hazzard...maybe not a good choice, but if you have a little sports car and like "fun" roads, this is a great option!

That was the next question about the short cuts...25E /70E Out of Weaversville is a twisty road with hair pins... heading over towards Newport,TN. How much time from Weaverville NC ~ Knoxville on that route?

[mbmouse]

I'd say about 2 hours. That is mainly because you would be finding heavier traffic on that route as well.
Are you looking for the best route up from FL to Knoxville? If so, that would be the Turnpike, up through Atlanta, 75 through Chatt and pick up 40 west of Knox and straight in.

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

I'd say about 2 hours. That is mainly because you would be finding heavier traffic on that route as well.
Are you looking for the best route up from FL to Knoxville? If so, that would be the Turnpike, up through Atlanta, 75 through Chat and pick up 40 west of Knox and straight in.

Unfortunately I would be coming up I-26 from Greenwood,SC. Maybe for the holidays... Thanks

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by Tinman313

Unfortunately I would be coming up I-26 from Greenwood,SC. Maybe for the holidays... Thanks

Then I would defiantly suggest the I-26 to the Tri-Cities then pick up 81 west (south) that merges with I-40 north of the slide.
Enjoy your trip and be sure to take pictures to share!

[jabogitlu]

The problem with many of the alternate routes (like Hwy 70 through Greeneville) is that if you're not a good navigator you can get easily lost. Lots of secondary and local routes that aren't signed well at all.

And man, I-26 was busy today!

[jabogitlu]

Traffic all OVER Johnson City was weird today! I had to be in Boones Creek. On the way home, I sat forever getting on I-26. I-26 was very busy of course, then I got off at the Elizabethton/ETSU Exit and sat in traffic forever. Eastbound Uni Parkway though (opposite me) was lined up from the Parkway/S Roan intersection nearly back to 67. Dunno why... maybe we've had a sudden influx of transplants?