ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced the reopening of Interstate 40 on Saturday morning.
I-40 was destroyed by Hurricane Helene five months ago. Flash flooding along the Pigeon River damaged large sections of the eastbound lanes near the Tennessee line.
[ READ: Stretch of I-40 damaged during Helene getting ready to reopen ]
NCDOT reopened one lane in each direction on Saturday morning. The stretch extends about 12 miles from Exit 7 in North Carolina to Exit 447 in Tennessee.
The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph and lanes have been narrowed with reduced shoulders.
Standard 18-wheelers are allowed on the interstate, but wide loads are required to take alternate routes.
WATCH: Stretch of I-40 damaged during Helene getting ready to reopen
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