Crash Closes I-40 to I-840 Ramp, Causes Major Commute Delays

The I-40 westbound off-ramp to I-840 westbound was closed on the morning of Jan. 7 after a crash that resulted in at least one injury and significant congestion across the area. Greensboro police directed traffic away from the scene while officers and emergency responders conducted their investigation, and motorists were urged to follow posted detours and expect longer-than-normal travel times.

The closure occurred during a weekday morning period when the two highways carry high volumes of commuter and commercial traffic, leading to cascading delays for drivers heading around Greensboro. Officers advised drivers to avoid the area while the crash remained under investigation, and local traffic reports during the event encouraged motorists to use official detours and allow extra commute time. The incident disrupted travel patterns for commuters, delivery vehicles and local businesses that rely on reliable highway access during morning hours.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience, incidents that close key ramps on major corridors have broader economic and operational implications for Guilford County. Even short-term shutdowns can delay deliveries, complicate scheduling for freight carriers, and raise costs for businesses that depend on timely transportation. For commuters, repeated or prolonged closures mean lost time and higher personal costs related to fuel and delayed work starts. Emergency-response logistics and public-service vehicles are also vulnerable to slowed travel when primary links on the regional network are blocked.

The crash underscores the importance of effective incident response and traffic management on high-capacity corridors such as I-40 and I-840. For drivers in Guilford County, the practical takeaway remains to monitor traffic updates during peak hours, follow official detours when directed, and build margin into travel plans. Local transportation planners and state agencies face ongoing pressure to reduce vulnerability to single-point disruptions by improving signage, incident clearance procedures and alternate-route capacity to limit the economic and safety impacts of similar events in the future.

Greensboro police continued their investigation following the closure. Officials did not release further details about the crash or the injured person. Motorists should consult local traffic resources for updates and plan for potential delays when using the I-40 and I-840 corridors.