NC urges truckers to stick to two available truck routes through western part of the state

North Carolina transportation officials are reminding truck drivers to stick to the two available truck routes available in the western part of the state. 

As of January 2026, truckers are able to take Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, or take Interstate 26 west to Interstate 81 South. 

According to ABC 13 News, there are fewer incidents involving truck drivers seeking alternates routes around construction on back roads, but the issue is still ongoing. 

“IMAP (Incident Management Assistance Patrol) still encounters the occasional [driver] that tries to think that they can take a shortcut around the construction on I-40. There is no shortcut,” said David Uchiyama, communications manager for NCDOT in western North Carolina.

Truck drivers who ignore posted signs and attempt to use backroads will face a misdemeanor charge if they get stuck, officials warn.