The reopening of a section of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina, damaged during Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding, is scheduled for March 1, as announced by Governor Josh Stein.
The primary connection between North Carolina and eastern Tennessee was severed in late September when flooding washed away over a mile of eastbound lanes. Initial efforts to reopen the road faced setbacks due to further landslides in December caused by wet weather and freeze-thaw conditions.
Stein highlighted the challenges and the work done by contractors to stabilize the road, including using steel rods, grout, and concrete to secure the area.
He also acknowledged the Federal Highway Administration’s $3.2 billion emergency relief funding to aid recovery efforts, emphasizing the ongoing work to restore roads and infrastructure across the state, which was heavily impacted by the storm.
This reopening is crucial not only for regional connectivity but also for economic recovery by bringing visitors back to the area.
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