Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 3, 2025:
I-40 reopens in North Carolina/Tennessee
I-40 in western North Carolina is reopening Saturday with one lane in each direction.NCDOT
The North Carolina Department of Transportation reopened Interstate 40 on Saturday for the first time since Hurricane Helene washed out a section of the interstate in September.
NCDOT and contract crews have stabilized the remaining westbound lanes and prepared them to provide one lane of traffic in each direction.
“We are happy to have this open for the people who depend on a connected transportation system between North Carolina and Tennessee,” NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Wanda Payne said. “This opening improves the flow of people, goods and services between our two states and between locations far beyond Haywood County.”
Combined with the restoration efforts in Tennessee, the one-lane stretch extends approximately 12 miles from Cold Springs Creek Road (Exit 7) in North Carolina to Big Creek Road (Exit 447) in Tennessee.
On the North Carolina side, drivers heading through the Pigeon River Gorge corridor should expect “unusual conditions” for interstate travel, NCDOT noted:
- Narrowed lanes with reduced shoulders
- A reduced speed limit of 35 mph
- A 9-inch by 9-inch concrete curb separating traffic
- Periodic breaks to provide EMS access
- Emergency-only lane on the eastbound side
- Standard 18-wheelers allowed; no wide loads
Transportation officials anticipate there will be delays passing through the gorge due to these unique conditions -- and even more so during heavy travel periods, which have traditionally been Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and holiday weekends.
Drivers should consider the alternate route of I-26 from Asheville to Kingsport, Tennessee, then I-81 South to I-40, NCDOT said.
Drivers of standard tractor-trailers should note that while they will be allowed to travel on I-40 through the gorge, there are no alternate routes available for them beyond Exit 20 (U.S. 276) despite some GPS devices and mobile phone apps suggesting they can take an exit in the gorge.
Wide loads must utilize I-77 and I-81 to travel between the two states.
[Related: I-40 closure could last a year: NCDOT]
Amerit Fleet Solutions announces acquisition
Amerit Fleet Solutions, a provider of dedicated, custom-built fleet maintenance, repair, and management services, has acquired Vector Fleet Management, a provider of fleet maintenance and parts management services, specializing in state and local government and heavy industrial fleets.
The acquisition of Vector furthers Amerit’s mission of delivering exceptional customer service with dedicated field technicians across all 50 states, the company said.
Amerit expands its portfolio of service offerings with the acquisition. Vector has long been recognized for its services tailored to the complex fleet operations of government clients and heavy industrial settings, offering valuable expertise in fleet asset management, onsite parts management programs, and the maintenance of emergency response vehicles and heavy industrial assets.
Vector will continue to serve these specialized segments under its trusted brand name, led by Aubrey Felton, EVP of Vector Government, an eight-year veteran of the company.
“We are excited to welcome Vector Fleet Management to the Amerit family,” said Dan Williams and Amein Punjani, co-CEOs of Amerit Fleet Solutions. “This acquisition enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end fleet solutions to a broader range of customers. By integrating Vector’s specialized services with our own, we can provide a unified approach that meets the diverse needs of our clients, from fleet maintenance and management to parts procurement.”
