Interstate 40 (I-40) Road Conditions
I-40 Road Conditions for January 9, 2026
Overall I-40 (next 7 days: Jan 9–Jan 15, 2026):
- CA: No traffic restrictions currently reported on I-40 (Southern California area) as of early morning Jan 9.
- AZ: Daytime lane/shoulder restrictions expected along I-40 between the Arizona–California state line and Flagstaff for fiber-optic conduit installation (restrictions generally 6 a.m.–5 p.m., moving roughly ~1 mile/day from the work start area).
- OK (Oklahoma City / Midwest City / El Reno areas): Ongoing narrowing and intermittent ramp impacts on I-40 (notably at Douglas Blvd. in Midwest City); plus a specific long-term closure of the northbound US-81 off-ramp to eastbound I-40 at the SH-66/US-81 intersection in El Reno.
- TN (West TN): Work zones with temporary lane closures affecting I-40 interchanges and mainline areas, including I-40 at Exit 126 (US-641/SR-69) and work affecting the SR-222 interchange area at I-40 Exit 42 through Jan 14.
- TX (Amarillo area): I-40 impacts associated with concrete repair/edge work and shoulder closures, including an eastbound I-40 mainlane closure at Pullman Rd with traffic detoured via the Pullman Rd ramps (listed for the week beginning Jan 5).
I-40 California Road Conditions
Caltrans – Current Highway Conditions (I-40)
- Current (Jan 9): No traffic restrictions reported for I-40 in the Southern California area (as of early morning Jan 9).
I-40 Arizona Road Conditions
AZ 511 | ADOT – I-40 fiber-optic conduit installation (work details)
- Ongoing (Jan 9–Jan 15 window): Fiber-optic conduit installation work with intermittent lane/shoulder restrictions on I-40 between California and Flagstaff.
- Work zone details: Work starts just south of Kingman at milepost 44 and progresses west at roughly about one mile per day, with lane restrictions generally 6 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
I-40 New Mexico Road Conditions
I-40 Texas Road Conditions
- Amarillo area (listed for week beginning Jan 5; includes today Jan 9): Eastbound I-40 at Pullman Road is listed as closed for concrete repair operations; traffic is detoured off the highway at the Pullman Rd exit ramp and can regain access via the Pullman Rd entrance ramp.
- Amarillo area: Right lane closed on westbound I-40 from Hope Rd to Adkisson Rd for edge work.
- Amarillo area: Right-shoulder closures in both directions on I-40 from Coulter St to Airport Blvd.
I-40 Oklahoma Road Conditions
ODOT Traffic Advisories | Oklahoma 511
- Oklahoma City: I-40 narrowed over I-44 between Meridian Ave and May Ave during overnight hours (8 p.m.–6 a.m.), with intermittent ramp impacts noted as part of bridge/pavement rehabilitation work.
- Midwest City: I-40 narrowed to two lanes each direction between I-240 and Town Center Dr with lane shifts and intermittent ramp impacts (work zone described as having limited shoulders/merge distances).
- Midwest City ramp/turn restrictions:
- Southbound Douglas Blvd → eastbound I-40 is listed as closed.
- Eastbound I-40 exit at Douglas Blvd: traffic cannot turn north onto Douglas Blvd.
- Westbound I-40 exit at Douglas Blvd: traffic cannot turn south onto Douglas Blvd.
- El Reno: The northbound US-81 off-ramp to eastbound I-40 is listed as closed at the SH-66/US-81 intersection (roundabout construction area).
- Yukon (near I-40): Garth Brooks Blvd narrowed to one lane each direction between Andrew Dr and Health Center Parkway (under I-40), and I-40 ramps in the area may be affected during resurfacing work.
I-40 Arkansas Road Conditions
iDrive Arkansas (Arkansas 511)
I-40 Tennessee Road Conditions
TDOT SmartWay (Tennessee 511) | TDOT – West Tennessee Construction (Jan 7–Jan 14, 2026)
- Benton County: I-40 at Exit 126 (US-641/SR-69 interchange) — grading, drainage, and paving activities with temporary lane closures throughout the project.
- Fayette County: SR-222 including the I-40 interchange (Exit 42) — grading, drainage, signals, and paving work causing temporary lane closures in both directions (one lane to remain open at all times). Speed limit reduction noted on SR-222 (45 mph → 40 mph).
- Shelby County (near I-40): SR-1 (US-70, Summer Ave.) from near I-40 to north of Sycamore View Rd — roadway widening with temporary lane closures; eastbound SR-1 reduced from two lanes to one lane from the I-40 frontage road area to east of Sycamore View Rd, and westbound SR-1 reduced from two lanes to one lane from near Munson Rd to the I-40 frontage road area (flaggers/trucks entering and exiting work zone noted).
I-40 North Carolina Road Conditions
I-40 Road Conditions Overview
I-40 passing through northern Arizona near Flagstaff (high elevation region). Interstate 40 (I-40) is a major east–west highway spanning eight states from California to North Carolina, covering about 2,556 miles. As one of America’s longest interstates, I-40 connects the Pacific and Atlantic via deserts, mountains, plains, and major cities.
Interstate 40 spans over 2,500 miles across eight states from California to North Carolina. Road and weather conditions vary greatly along the route — from desert heat to mountain snow.
Regional Weather Hazards Along I-40
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California & Western Arizona: Summer brings extreme heat (over 110°F) and dust storms. Winters are mild in the lowlands, but Flagstaff gets heavy snow. Be ready for sudden monsoon storms in July–September.
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Eastern Arizona & New Mexico: I-40 stays at high elevation (up to 7,300 ft). Expect winter snow, strong crosswinds, and freezing nights. Summer days are warm, with thunderstorms possible.
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Texas Panhandle & Oklahoma: This area is known for tornadoes in spring, ice storms in winter, and high winds year-round. Roads are flat but can get slick quickly.
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Arkansas & Tennessee: Hot, humid summers with daily storms. In winter, ice storms and black ice can hit bridges and hills. Tornadoes are possible in spring.
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Eastern TN & Western NC: The Appalachians bring steep grades, snow, fog, and rockslides. Conditions change fast — especially near Asheville and the Pigeon River Gorge.
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Eastern NC (Raleigh to Wilmington): Summer storms and hurricanes can flood roads. Winters are mild but ice storms can occur every few years.
✔ Always check local forecasts and be ready for snow, fog, wind, or flooding along your route.
Current Road Conditions & Work Zones on I-40
Road conditions along I-40 can shift dramatically across its 2,500+ mile route due to aging infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, and regional weather damage. While some stretches offer smooth travel, others are rough or under construction. Here’s what to expect:
🛣️ Desert & Southwest (CA to NM)
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Western I-40, especially in California and Arizona, often has worn pavement, heat cracks, and surface ruts, particularly between Barstow and Flagstaff.
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Summer heat can degrade asphalt rapidly, and wind-blown sand may cause erosion or debris on the road.
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Be alert for blowing dust advisories and single-lane closures for emergency repairs.
🚧 Urban Construction Zones
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Cities like Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, and Raleigh frequently have major construction projects, including:
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Bridge repairs
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Interchange expansions
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Resurfacing projects
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Expect nighttime lane closures, narrowed shoulders, and reduced speed limits.
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In Oklahoma City, for example, a multi-month bridge rehab at I-44 causes major daytime slowdowns and overnight closures.
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Always merge early and obey posted signs — fines double in work zones, and traffic can back up fast during peak hours.
⛰️ Mountain Pass & Rockslide Areas
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In the Smoky Mountains (TN/NC border) and around Black Mountain, I-40 sees:
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Rockslide repair projects
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Lane reductions in tunnels and curves
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Brake check pull-offs for trucks
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Fog and wet pavement increase risks, especially on curvy downhill grades.
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In Arizona and New Mexico, high-elevation roadwork can be delayed due to snow or high winds — always check before crossing mountain zones.
❄️ Seasonal Maintenance & Closures
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Winter (Dec–Feb): Expect plowing, salting, and rolling closures during snow or ice storms, especially from Flagstaff to Albuquerque and through Tennessee and North Carolina.
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Spring (Mar–May): Flood repair work is common in low-lying areas of eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and central NC.
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Summer (May–Sep): Asphalt resurfacing, guardrail replacements, and bridge maintenance often cause daytime lane closures and slower speed zones.
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Fall (Oct–Nov): Some repaving continues, but overall work decreases as colder weather sets in.
High-Risk Zones & Traffic Hazards
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Albuquerque, OKC, Nashville, Memphis: These urban areas see heavy merging, frequent crashes, and construction delays.
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Tennessee Stretch: I-40’s entire path across TN is one of the most dangerous, with steep grades and dense traffic from Memphis to Knoxville.
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Smoky Mountains (TN/NC): Sharp curves, fog, and wildlife crossings increase accident risk. Drive slowly and cautiously.
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Long Rural Stretches: Between Barstow, Gallup, and Amarillo, driver fatigue, dust storms, and lack of lighting can make night driving hazardous.
✔ Stay alert and avoid speeding. Know your location and plan breaks ahead.
