Tennessee’s recovery from Hurricane Helene’s devastation is making significant progress. After the storm caused widespread damage to roads and bridges across East Tennessee, only five of the 49 affected roads and bridges remain closed.
In the six months since the hurricane struck, the state has worked tirelessly to repair these vital routes and reconnect communities. Although much of the work is complete, the final stages of the recovery effort are still ongoing, with some roads and bridges expected to reopen later this year or next.
The Scope of the Damage and Recovery Efforts
Hurricane Helene was not just another storm—it was a multi-generational event. According to Mark Nagi, a spokesman for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the devastation was so severe that it was difficult to fully capture in photos and videos. The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure, especially roads and bridges that are crucial for daily transportation and emergency services. The roadways were washed away or severely damaged, leaving communities cut off and facing major disruptions.
To address this, Tennessee requested $510 million in federal assistance for repairs. So far, the state has received $102 million in federal funds, which has been instrumental in speeding up the repair process. Federal, state, and local agencies have worked together to rebuild roads and restore key infrastructure, but there are still a few major projects left to complete.
Key Remaining Road and Bridge Repairs
As of now, only five roads and bridges remain under repair in Tennessee. These are some of the major routes that are still closed:
- State Route 159/US 321 in Carter and Johnson counties: Closed in the Elk Mills community due to storm damage. Repairs are ongoing with an expected completion date of August 31.
- State Route 67/State Route 91 in Carter County: The Doe River Bridge is under repair, and the road is expected to reopen by May 31.
- State Route 107 in Greene County: The Nolichucky River Bridge is still being repaired, with completion expected by June 23.
- State Route 81 in Washington County: Another Nolichucky River Bridge is under construction and is estimated to open on June 23.
- State Route 353 in Washington County: This is the last major project still in the early stages of construction, with an estimated completion date of May 22, 2026.
These projects have been challenging, but the communities impacted by the closures are hopeful that once repairs are complete, daily life will return to normal.
Impact on Local Communities
The road closures have caused frustration and inconvenience for residents of affected areas like Carter County. Jason Clawson, a county commissioner in Carter County, described how the closures have added significant time to daily commutes.
What used to be a 30-minute drive to work now takes an hour, and for many in the area, this has become a daily struggle. In addition to this, emergency services are also delayed due to the road closures, adding an extra layer of concern for residents.
However, the community is proud as locals work together to support the recovery efforts. County crews have tackled road repairs where state efforts have not reached, and temporary fixes have been put in place to allow for some traffic flow. Even with these temporary solutions, large trucks still face difficulties using fragile roads that aren’t yet ready for heavy vehicles.
Despite the inconveniences, Clawson remains hopeful that the completion of the remaining projects will make a significant difference to the community’s morale and quality of life. “It’s going to make all the difference in the world for everybody’s morale,” he said. “It’s going to be so much better to get those bridges back, and it sure makes you appreciate what you once had.”
Completed Projects and Major Rebuilds
While many roads and bridges remain under repair, Tennessee has already made great strides in rebuilding and reopening key routes. Of the 49 roads and bridges damaged by the hurricane, 44 have been restored. Among the most notable recoveries are roads in Carter County, Greene County, and Washington County, where State Routes 37, 91, and 143, as well as routes in Sevier, Hawkins, and Johnson counties, have been reopened to traffic.
One of the major projects that was recently completed was the reopening of State Route 36 in Unicoi County, a crucial thoroughfare that had been closed due to extensive damage. This project involved repairing 12 sites along the route, including the installation of guardrails, rock buttresses, and soil nail walls.
Another significant repair in Unicoi County was the reopening of State Route 107 and SR-395, which were closed in Tennessee but remain closed in North Carolina.
Other major roads repaired include routes in Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Knox, and Sevier counties, ensuring vital links between communities are restored.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch of Recovery
Although the state has made remarkable progress, the last few remaining projects, particularly the ones over the Nolichucky River, are expected to take a few more months to complete. The final stretch of recovery work will be challenging, but Tennessee is determined to restore normalcy to its residents.
With ongoing repairs and federal support, Tennessee’s roads and bridges are expected to be fully restored by next year, providing vital access for emergency services, daily commuting, and the overall well-being of the community.
For the residents who endured the storm’s destruction, the rebuilding efforts are a hopeful reminder that, with time and effort, things can return to normal.
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