© 2009 NPT Photo by Duay O'Neil

Willie Green, owner of Newport Printing, holds maps his company has printed to help
travelers affected by the recent I-40 rockslide. Copies of the maps have been left with
local restaurants, motels, convenience markets, and gasoline stations to help motorists
who need assistance. Anyone wanting copies of the map should contact Green (623-3651)
or stop by Newport Printing, 315 East Broadway.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP)-Blasting is under way as crews try reopening Interstate 40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line where a massive rock slide closed the road late last month.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Wednesday the work aims to topple large boulders hanging 150 feet up at the top of the slope that gave way.

The 500,000-ton slide closed I-40 in both directions. North Carolina Transportation Department technician Mike Patton said the blasting that rained rocks 200 yards away will help make it possible for workers to clear the roadway safely.

The highway department has said it will take at least four months to get two lanes open. The cleanup could cost $10 million.