Reopening roads in North Carolina that were closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene is an ongoing process, but a significant bridge reopening on Tuesday, Dec. 17 could help alleviate traffic issues.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the U.S. Highway 70 bridge saw an average of 16,000 vehicles daily. Since being closed due to Hurricane Helene, that traffic has increased congestion on Interstate 40 and Interstate 240 in the Asheville, N.C., area.
“From the ground up, we identified that we had to rehab the substructure, then come behind and build a reinforced retaining wall to establish the roadway again,” Tom Veazey, a Division 13 resident engineer, said in a statement.
Rebuild. Reopen. Reconnect.
A bridge on U.S. 70 that helps connect Asheville and Swannanoa is scheduled to reopen Tuesday night after three months of dedicated work following #HeleneNC. pic.twitter.com/6BbsNdDQLe
— NCDOT (@NCDOT) December 18, 2024
Damage resulting from Hurricane Helene affected structural elements as well as the eastern approach, NCDOT said. Those repairs cost approximately $900,000.
Nationwide traffic information is available via this Land Line resources page.
Following this reopening, all U.S. highways have reopened in Buncombe County. However, several state highways remain closed, including stretches of state Highway 81 and state Highway 197.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 17, more than 1,230 roads in western North Carolina had reopened, including 123 in the previous week. Fewer than 200 roads remained closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
Trucks over 30 feet are still prohibited from traveling on 55 routes in North Carolina.
A complete list of roads that have reopened is available on the North Carolina DOT website.
FMCSA emergency
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a regional emergency in October. That declaration has been extended and remains in effect for North Carolina as well as Tennessee through Dec. 26.
Relief for motor carriers and drivers assisting with the immediate restoration of essential supplies as well as the restoration of essential services through operation of utility service vehicles is granted by FMCSA’s order.
The origin of the trip does not disqualify a driver from this relief as long as direct assistance is being provided. LL
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