ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Travel across Western North Carolina continues to recover months after Tropical Storm Helene damaged roads and bridges throughout the region.
North Carolina Department of Transportation officials said crews have made significant progress repairing highways and reopening routes, though some closures and construction zones remain.
Storm impact and current road status
- 1,529 road incidents have been recorded since the storm began.
- 1,519 road closures occurred during the response and recovery period.
- 1,495 roads are now fully open.
- 24 roads remain closed.
- 10 roads currently have partial access.
Interstate 40 reopening in the Pigeon River Gorge
One of the most heavily damaged areas was Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, where large sections of roadway were washed away.
- The interstate partially reopened March 1, 2025.
- Traffic is limited to one lane in each direction.
- Concrete barriers separate opposing traffic.
- A 35 mph speed limit is in place through the construction zone.
Crews continue large-scale rebuilding operations in the gorge:
- Fleets are transporting rock from borrow sites across the river to crushers.
- On-site crushers are producing aggregate and backfill rock for reconstruction.
- During warmer weather above 35 degrees, crews are placing roller-compacted concrete.
- About 4,000 cubic yards of concrete were installed in February.
- Engineers are developing designs for remaining sections of the interstate and a replacement low-water bridge at Exit 7.
Chimney Rock reconstruction
In Chimney Rock, the first major construction package is expected to begin soon.
Contract paperwork, including insurance and bonding, is nearly complete.
Work includes:
- Replacement of the U.S. 64 bridge
- Nearby road repairs
- Grading and drainage improvements
Construction mobilization is expected in late March.
NCDOT says additional work packages are being developed, with the goal of having the entire corridor under contract and construction by the end of the year.
Yancey County bridge repairs
Construction began Feb. 25 on U.S. 197 South in Yancey County.
- Crews will replace three permanent bridges.
- Temporary railcar bridges currently keep the highway open.
- Crews completed the first of three concrete bridge repairs along U.S. 19W South between U.S. 19E and Piney Hill Road.
Henderson County repairs
In the Bat Cave area of Henderson County:
- Contractor Blythe Construction expects to complete U.S. 64 repairs by Memorial Day.
- Remaining work includes pipe installation, wall construction and paving.
Additional projects include:
- A tie-back panel wall along N.C. 9 near the U.S. 64/74A intersection.
- Wall construction on the upper section of the roadway.
- Multiple crews working daily on Middle Fork Road.
Polk County repairs
Repairs to U.S. 176 in the town of Saluda could begin as early as next week.
Planned work includes:
- Drainage improvements
- Pavement repairs
- Shoulder and slope stabilization
- Sidewalk repairs
Work along the Pacolet River
Later this month, NCDOT plans to award a contract for major repairs to U.S. 176 along the Pacolet River.
Officials say several of the 16 damage sites involve large slope failures, similar to damage seen north of Bat Cave.
Recovery costs and federal funding
NCDOT says recovery work remains ongoing and expensive.
- The state has spent about $1.4 billion on Helene recovery.
- $533 million has been reimbursed through federal funding.
- $234.2 million from FEMA
- $299.7 million from the Federal Highway Administration
- The current total recovery estimate is $5.8 billion.
Despite ongoing closures and construction zones, transportation officials say the steady reopening of roads shows continued progress in rebuilding Western North Carolina’s transportation network after the storm.