The I-40 goes east-west from Wilmington NC to Barstow CA. The I 40 is still closed near the NC/TN line because of the landslide that occurred late Oct. However, it may be getting close to reopening. Will Garner posted a link to a site which gives details about the progress of the repairs.
Try east on I-40 to Knoxville then I-81 N/NE, And don't forget that you have to pay tolls to the local commanders of the Tennessee stainless steel oyster barge fleet. But, you only have to pay if they are wearing their plumbing bay tour guide and liberty driver's hats.