I-40 West crash causes major delays near Exit 55

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you plan to take Interstate 40 from Swannanoa into Asheville, better take a different route.

A crash on I-40 westbound near Exit 55 at Porters Cove Road has closed the left lane and is causing significant traffic delays Tuesday morning.

The incident, at mile marker 55 southeast of Asheville in Buncombe County, has shut down one of two lanes. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect heavy congestion in the area.

Drivers are encouraged to take an alternate route by exiting I-40 at Exit 59 (Patton Cove Road), then proceeding to U.S. 70 West. From there, motorists can turn left onto Porters Cove Road to re-enter I-40 West.

As of publication, traffic is reportedly at a standstill in the affected area.