Crashes involving about 20-30 vehicles with injuries, closed I-40 West for hours in TN

The closure on I-40 West in Putnam County lasted for hours on Thursday.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Update (5:45 p.m.): The Tennessee Department of Transportation reports some lanes are reopening following an hours-long closure on Interstate 40 West near Mile Marker 285.

Update (4 p.m.): The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that preliminary investigations have been completed, and vehicles will now be towed from the crash area.

As of 4:45 p.m., Interstate 40 West near Mile Marker 285 remains closed.

Update: The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that Interstate 40 West between Mile Markers 280 and 285 is shut down due to numerous crashes on Thursday. The initial closure, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, was reported at about 11:55 a.m.

THP reports that about 20 to 30 vehicles were involved in multiple crashes that caused the closure. No fatalities have been reported, but injuries have been, according to THP.

“I-40 westbound is closed between entrance ramp 287 and 286 and will be for an extended time. Refer to TDOT Smartway and mapping apps for alternative routes,” according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Earlier: The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports that Interstate 40 West has been shut down by multiple vehicle crashes caused by hazardous road conditions on Thursday afternoon.

PCSO reports that I-40 West at Mile Marker 285 is shut down.

“This also includes the 286 West bound ramp being closed. Please avoid this area and take alternate routes,” the sheriff’s office said. “Some bridges and overpasses are beginning to get icy so please be mindful if you do have to be out traveling.”The Tennessee Department of Transportation is always working on getting the interstate cleared following the crash.

TDOT released the following information to WSMV4:

“A multi‑vehicle crash is currently blocking all lanes of I‑40 West at mile marker 285 in Putnam County. At the request of THP, TDOT has established a detour, and our maintenance crews are diverting traffic off the interstate at Exit 288. We encourage drivers to use caution in the area and to follow our updates on X or check TDOT SmartWay for the latest traffic information."