Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Sept. 30, 2024:
Washed-out I-40 could be closed for a year
Officials in North Carolina are currently projecting an October 2025 reopening date for I-40 in the western part of the state near the Tennessee state line.
Additionally, North Carolina DOT has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory in western North Carolina. “All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited,” NCDOT said.
A representative in the North Carolina DOT’s communications office, asked about the no-travel advisory and its application to needed freight deliveries coming into the region, said “we do not yet have an established detour for I-40,” then reiterating “all roads in Western North Carolina are considered closed. You should delay your travels in that region.”
At DriveNC.gov for trip-planning/status-monitoring purposes, the rep added, “you can select a county or highway route to see a list of state-maintained roads that are closed due to Helene.” Users of the tool can toggle on/off to show only Helene-impacted road closures.
It’s important to note, the rep added, that “damage is so widespread in Western North Carolina, and there are power outages and cell phone service issues, that not all closed roads” have been entered into DriveNC.gov as of Monday, Sept. 30.
As reported over the weekend, the eastbound lanes of I-40 were washed out by floodwaters resulting from Hurricane Helene. The interstate is closed for 43 miles in both directions between Exit 432 (US 25W/US 70/US 411) in Tennessee and Exit 20 (US 276) in North Carolina.
In addition to I-40, I-26 is also closed in Tennessee from milemarker 39 to the North Carolina state line.
There are also numerous U.S., state and local highways and roads closed in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Stay tuned to DriveNC and TDOT SmartWay for the most up-to-date traffic information for each state.
[Related: 'All roads in Western NC should be considered closed': NCDOT]
PrePass now available through Motive
PrePass is now available on the Motive Marketplace through a new partnership between the two companies.
The integration gives owner-operators and fleets seamless access to PrePass’ weigh station bypass and toll management services through Motive’s app marketplace.
Customers will benefit from fewer weigh station stops and improved bypass reliability with the PrePass app and transponder, the companies said. Additionally, Motive and PrePass customers will gain access to PrePass GPS Toll Verification, which matches GPS location to toll charges.
Sheetz names NTDAW sweepstakes winner
Sheetz announced Joe Plaziak is the grand prize winner of the third annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes contest.
In July, Sheetz announced its partnership with Trucker Path to launch the sweepstakes contest. Through the contest, truck drivers had the opportunity to win weekly prizes that included $500 in Sheetz gift cards and additional rewards from ZOA Energy Drinks. Drawings were held every Sunday starting on July 28 and ending on Aug. 25 with the grand prize drawing.
As the grand prize winner, Plaziak received $2,500 in Sheetz gift cards, an Apple iPad, Beats by Dre Bluetooth headphones and more.Sheetz
“As a relatively new driver, I can’t wait to make use of the gift cards and prizes,” said Plaziak. “I’m extremely appreciative to Sheetz and all companies involved in making these sweepstakes possible. I’d also like to thank Big M Transportation, as they’re a great company to drive for and I know how good I have it working for them."
[Related: Third-gen owner marshals experience, knowledge, vision to thrive: Trucker of the Month Rene Holguin]
