Workers begin blasting at I-40 rock slide

ASHEVILLE (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.