Control personnel have been working around the clock turning away more than 800 trucks since the reopening of the road.
Authorities in Tennessee have issued a statement reminding commercial vehicle drivers of the strict prohibition against using U.S. 441, also known as Newfound Gap Road, following its reopening just two weeks ago. This route, which runs through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and connects North Carolina and Tennessee, features a narrow design and sharp curves, making it unsuitable for heavy trucks.
The National Park Service (NPS) has emphasized that Newfound Gap Road is a two-lane road with steep grades and tight turns. Officials have noted that the configuration of this road lacks truck lanes and safe areas to slow down or stop, posing a serious risk to other vehicles traveling on it.
U.S. 441 reopened on October 2 after damage caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, complicating access for drivers. As a result, many roads in the state have become impassable, leading some truckers to seek alternative routes, and authorities have stressed that only essential travel is permitted, discouraging the use of Newfound Gap Road.

Detours and safety measures: authorities combat truck traffic on U.S. 441
Detours have become a necessity, especially on Interstates 40 and 26. Authorities have indicated that drivers should take Interstate 77 north to connect with Interstate 81 toward Tennessee. However, this has led many truckers to choose U.S. 441, ignoring the warnings, which has resulted in an increase in incidents and accidents on the road.
In response, control personnel at the ends of the road have been working around the clock, rejecting more than 800 trucks since the reopening. Despite these efforts, the NPS has reported multiple incidents involving commercial vehicles. “The park roads are not structurally designed to handle heavy vehicle traffic,” officials warned, reiterating that trucks will be turned away.
Measures to keep trucks off U.S. 441 include the use of variable message signs, collaboration with local communities to place warnings, and the strategic placement of cones and barrels. Those who ignore these warnings may face fines of up to $5,000. The safety of travelers and the preservation of the park are currently the top priorities, while the reopening of I-40 remains without a specific date, further complicating transportation in the region.

Road rage spikes during summer: beware and be safe
Stress behind the wheel, combined with extreme heat that makes us more irritable, can lead to more than just frustration: it can trigger road rage.

The Fuels of the Future: How the U.S. Is Redefining Energy with Waste, Hydrogen, and CO₂
The United States is leading a new energy revolution—one powered by waste, clean air, and cutting-edge science. From manure to solar power, from agricultural leftovers

Operation Safe Driver Week: how to be prepared
Operation Safe Driver Week will take place from July 13 to 19, here are some actions to perform to be prepared for inspections. The Commercial

ABF Freight evaluates Tesla Semi in three-week trial
The Tesla Semi test included highway and regional routes in Reno and Sacramento, as well as operations in the Bay Area. ArcBest’s freight transportation company,

Earth Is Spinning Faster: What It Means for GPS, Trucking, and Drivers’ Daily Operations
Earth Is Spinning Faster: What It Means for GPS, Trucking, and Drivers’ Daily Operations

Unified Registration System: new identity verification system to combat fraud
The Unified Registration System has a new identity verification process will be simple and promises to reduce fraud in the transportation industry. A fraud epidemic