After a long period of uncertainty, the closure of a critical section of Interstate 40 at the North Carolina-Tennessee border has finally come to an end, surprising many with the speed of the reopening. The 20-mile stretch of road passing through the scenic Pigeon River Gorge, which was left in ruins by the destructive forces of Hurricane Helene nearly five months ago, is set to welcome travelers once again on the North Carolina side starting this upcoming Saturday, as confirmed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
However, despite the much-anticipated reopening, it is essential to note that the road remains far from being fully restored, and travelers are advised to brace themselves for potential delays and inconveniences. “The travel lanes are severely reduced,” remarked NCDOT Division 14 Staff Construction Engineer Nathan Tanner during a statement to WLOS-TV on Thursday. “The speed limit has been reduced to 35 miles per hour. They’ll be separated by a nine-by-nine-inch concrete curb that is anchored into the asphalt. Traffic can expect longer travel times and possible delays.”
While the road had already opened to traffic on the Tennessee side some time ago, certain sections there will also operate as one-lane for the time being. The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, with its relentless flooding and landslides on September 28, had led to the complete devastation of parts of Interstate 40, resulting in entire sections of the eastbound lanes being swept away into the turbulent river below.
The impact of Helene was far-reaching, not only affecting the highway but also causing damage to bridges, water systems, and other crucial infrastructure, while over 180,000 homes suffered damage as well. In a recent plea for increased federal funding, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein highlighted that the overall costs of recovery across the state are estimated to be close to $60 billion.
The state’s Department of Transportation has cautioned that the full reconstruction of I-40 may take up to three years to complete, with ongoing repair work also being carried out on 221 other road sections throughout the state as part of the recovery efforts.
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