Unauthorized I-40 detour causes headaches for some Haywood County residents

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Drivers in Haywood County are trying to avoid congestion on Interstate 40 by using local roads. Even tractor-trailer drivers are attempting to bypass interstate traffic. But they're finding local roads closed to through-traffic, which is creating jams and headaches for residents.

With bridge work happening on I-40, drivers are looking for ways to avoid it, including Iron Duff Road, which is clearly marked for local traffic only. Despite the signage, some drivers, including those in tractor-trailers, are still trying to get through and are getting stuck.

Iron Duff/Coleman Mountain resident Kendra Bradley got caught in the congestion Tuesday night.

"We came through last night, and there's tractor-trailers -- three of them -- that was in here and had to get back up right here. They get stuck because they can't go around that way. We had to pull over here and wait forever till they got them back turned around and back out. lt's happened a couple different times,” Bradley said.

Work began in late October to replace two bridges on I-40 between mile markers 20 and 18. One lane is open in each direction. But congestion builds during heavy travel times, like on weekends and holidays.

“We're trying to get to Dollywood. But we'll get there as long as we get there safe,” Alex Souther said.

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The congestion creates a temptation for drivers to try other routes.

“We have an image of a truck barreling through a barricade. It is officially posted, no trucks. Unfortunately, we don't have control over every decision that drivers make,” NCDOT spokesman David Uchiyama said.

He said the big rigs won't fit on small roads.

“They're curvy, windy roads. They end up getting stuck. They should not be on those roads in the first place,” Uchiyama said.

Drivers in general are being advised that roads like Iron Duff and Coleman Mountain, for now, are just for local traffic. The DOT said drivers, especially those in the big rigs, need to heed signage.

“Unfortunately, those drivers are not following the instructions that have been posted to them as far south as Polk County and as far east as I-77,” Uchiyama said.

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The one-lane pattern over the two bridges will continue until May 20, when both lanes each way will resume for the busy travel season. But the lane reductions will return in October. The whole project is expected to take two years to complete.

During this time, Uchiyama said drivers should consider using Interstates 26 and 81 back and forth to Tennessee. That route will add 45 minutes to the trip. But considering the road work on I-40, it might be your best bet.