COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — I-40 has reopened near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line after a crash Tuesday morning.
A Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson said the crash involved two tractor-trailers. It was reported at 7:01 a.m., according to TDOT’s SmartWay map, and originally the interstate was closed in both directions. At 7:48 a.m., however, TDOT said I-40 west had reopened. I-40 east reopened around 8 a.m.
Find live traffic conditions: TDOT Smartway Map
According to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, around 6:50 a.m., a 2023 International semi-truck was traveling east on I-40 near Mile Marker 451 while a 2025 Peterbilt semi-truck was traveling west.
THP reported that the International semi-truck crossed the center lane divider and entered the westbound lane and struck the Peterbilt semi-truck. The International semi-truck then re-entered the correct lane and came to a controlled rest, while the Peterbilt semi-truck came to a controlled rest off the right side of the roadway.
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Neither of the drivers were injured, and both were wearing seatbelts. According to the report, the driver of the International semi-truck, Dustin Cole, 30, of Indiana, was charged with driving on roadways laned for traffic…