CANDLER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Drivers attempting to avoid congestion on Interstate 40 in Buncombe County on Monday afternoon encountered additional delays after a second crash shut down part of Smokey Park Highway.
According to traffic reports, a crash on Interstate 40 near Wiggins Road, east of Candler at mile marker 39, closed the left lane about two miles past Exit 37. The lane closure began at 1:09 p.m. and was expected to last until about 3:30 p.m. Officials reported a high impact on traffic, with one of two eastbound lanes closed.
As motorists diverted to Smokey Park Highway to bypass the interstate backup, another crash occurred near Justice Ridge Road. Authorities reported that both northbound lanes of U.S. 19 were closed near Justice Ridge beginning at 1:39 p.m., with the shutdown expected to last until approximately 2:40 p.m. The impact to traffic was also described as high.
The second crash appeared to involve a dump truck and a passenger vehicle, though officials had not released details about injuries or the cause as of Monday afternoon.
Motorists were advised to follow directions from emergency responders at the scene and to expect significant delays in the area.