ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A section of Interstate 40 in Haywood County was closed Wednesday afternoon because of a crash, authorities said.

The closure affected eastbound lanes of I-40 near Canton, about two miles past Exit 27 at U.S. 74, also known as the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway, near mile marker 29.

The crash prompted a full road closure with a high impact on traffic, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The roadway was closed shortly after 2:10 p.m. and was expected to reopen around 3:10 p.m.

Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes and expect delays in the area.