Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump as of March 3, 2025, has brilliantly spearheaded a plan to rebuild Interstate 40 (I-40) in North Carolina and Tennessee, damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, in a way that’s “3x faster and cheaper.”
🚨#BREAKING: As promised, the I-40 highway that was shut down for 5 months between Western North Carolina and Tennessee will re-open ON TIME TOMORROW.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) February 28, 2025
President Trump's DOT Secretary, Sean Duffy, was able to secure a method to rebuild it, "3x faster and cheaper."
PROMISES KEPT! pic.twitter.com/dTFuDL9qWL
The stretch of I-40 near the Tennessee border washed out by Helene reopened to traffic. Remember: Narrow lanes – 35 mph speed limit – Trucks allowed – No oversize.
After personally inspecting the site in February 2025, Duffy secured a game-changing “special use” permit through collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Transportation. This permit lets crews source rock and materials from nearby Forest Service land and a local river—just 1 to 3 miles away—slashing transportation costs and time compared to hauling from distant sources. Duffy’s innovative approach led to a partial reopening of I-40 on March 1, 2025, with one lane in each direction, far ahead of initial expectations.
His leadership has set the stage for a full reconstruction that promises to save significant time and money, showcasing his commitment to efficient, practical solutions for America’s infrastructure.