WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — I-40 has reopened following a protest in Winston-Salem.
Protesters shut down the highway as part of a Black Lives Matter demonstration.
The protest started earlier Tuesday night in Winston-Salem near Hanes Mall with up to 140 protesters. Demonstrators then gathered in the street. They silently got on the ground and blocked busy intersections while protesting.
The group also made it's way to the Target on Hanes Mall Boulevard, standing in front of the doors, which blocked customers from going in and out. The group stayed there for about 15 minutes before moving back up the road in the direction they first walked from.
The demonstrators then headed towards I-40. Winston-Salem Police said about 80 protesters made their way onto the highway for about 45 minutes as part of the protest before returning to town.
Winston-Salem Police Capt. Weaver said officers and protesters had face-to-face discussions on the interstate regarding safety and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said the protesters on the highway demonstrated for the amount of time George Floyd was held down by police before he died.
Joines said, "It’s a dangerous thing for the protesters and the public. I understand the point they’re trying to make but I encourage folks to be mindful of the danger of that."
The protests also prompted closures on Peters Creek Parkway and Stratford Road in both directions.
Winston-Salem Police said no one was arrested and they did not issue any citations.
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