Western North Carolina is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with more than 500 bridges and 600 culverts damaged by the storm. The state transportation secretary revealed that over 100 bridges will need to be fully replaced, underscoring the extensive destruction caused by the hurricane.
During a recent news conference, Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins highlighted the challenges faced by the region, noting that access to areas in 10 counties is now limited to all-terrain vehicles, foot bridges, and National Guard vehicles due to severe damage to roads and bridges.
Despite the significant impact, Hopkins expressed gratitude for the efforts of crews and contractors who have managed to reopen more than 460 roads. Currently, there are still over 600 road closures across the state, with 98 primary roads affected, and the situation continues to evolve on a daily basis.
One of the major infrastructure projects underway is the repair of the westbound lanes of Interstate 40, which suffered damage from a landslide near the Tennessee state line. Hopkins indicated that work on these lanes is expected to be completed by early next year, while the eastbound lanes have already been reopened to traffic.
The recovery and rebuilding process in western North Carolina is ongoing, with a focus on restoring critical transportation links and ensuring the safety and accessibility of affected areas. The state remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and working towards a full recovery for the region.
