On July 31, 2025, two separate incidents on Interstate 40 Eastbound in Tennessee have caused significant traffic disruptions in Cumberland and Roane Counties, exacerbating congestion in the region.

At approximately 2:00 PM CDT, a multi-vehicle crash occurred at Mile Marker 326 in Cumberland County, blocking the eastbound left lane and left shoulder of the two-lane roadway. This incident, reported by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) SmartWay system, likely involves multiple vehicles colliding, though specific details about the cause, number of vehicles, or injuries are not yet available. The blockage of the left lane, a critical passing lane, is causing severe delays as traffic is funneled into the remaining right lane, creating a bottleneck in this already busy corridor.

Just 25 miles away, at Mile Marker 351.4 in Roane County, a disabled vehicle reported at 1:51 PM CDT has further compounded the congestion. This incident has blocked the eastbound right lane and right shoulder, leaving no lanes fully open for eastbound traffic at this location. The proximity of these incidents, combined with their impact on both lanes of I-40 Eastbound, has likely created a ripple effect, with traffic backups spanning miles and affecting commuters and commercial vehicles traveling through this key Tennessee highway.

Emergency response teams, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol, are on the scene at both locations, managing the situations and working to clear the roadways. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes, such as Highway 70, to avoid the severe congestion and delays, which could persist for hours as crews address the crash and disabled vehicle.