A tractor-trailer accident on I-40 in Cumberland County just after 4 a.m. this morning resulted in traffic backups and will continue to do so for the majority of the day. Trooper Jeremy Newcome says a 2012 Freightliner tractor-trailer operated by 51-year-old Sammy Pinckney of Charlotte, North Carolina was traveling west at the 335 mile marker when he fell asleep, became alert and overcorrected the tractor-trailer. He lost control rolling the truck onto its side blocking westbound lanes. Pinckney was not hurt in the accident. He was charged with failure to maintain his lane of travel.

As of 8:30 a.m. this morning, TDOT  says the estimated time of clearing is 5 p.m. central. Motorists can get off at the Westel Exit (Exit 338), turn left and go to Highway 70. There drivers can turn right heading west on Highway 70 and use extreme caution making their way to Crab Orchard where they can resume travel on I-40.