WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A stretch of Interstate 40 through the western North Carolina mountains is reopening to traffic this weekend, months after Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding collapsed portions of the road. The state Department of Transportation said the 20-mile section on the North Carolina side of the border will officially reopen on Saturday and partially restore a major travel connection with eastern Tennessee. Large portions will now have one narrowed lane in each direction and a reduced speed limit, so delays are expected, especially during weekends. The section won’t resume fully to four lanes until late next year at the earliest.… Continue Reading