CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Chimney Rock State Park is closed. Chimney Rock Village is in ruins. Hurricane Helene devastated the area almost a month ago. And while the floodwaters may have receded, the rock and rubble left behind will make for a long recovery.
About three miles of Main Street were washed away in Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina Department of Transportation Public Engagement and Communications Specialist Stephanie Johnson said Friday.
According to the village’s website, Chimney Rock Village on the banks of the Broad River has been the center of a tourist mecca for more than 400 years.
“According to documents from the Madrid library, Hernando Desoto led his conquistadors through Hickory Nut Gorge on the way to the Mississippi River. Hunters and trappers used the Gorge as a passage to and from Asheville and Revolutionary War patriots known as the Overmountain Victory Men passed through on their way to defeat the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain,” the village’s website said.
In a matter of hours, Hurricane Helene nearly wiped out the village that has 140 permanent residents. Businesses, homes, bridges and streets were torn apart.
Businesses and houses that weren’t swept away were left clogged with mud and muck or now sit dangerously close to a rocky and debris-strewn riverbank.
Lake Lure
The Broad River flows from Chimney Rock to Lake Lure, a more than 720-acre body of deep water with three long bays, several small bays and a 7-acre island, according to the town’s website.
As the water plowed through Chimney Rock, it carried the buildings, houses and roads to the town of Lake Lure.
At Lake Lure, the raging water relocated docks and boats, and the debris from Chimney Rock made the lake look like a sea of splintered lumber.
Rutherford County road closures include spots along U.S. 64/74A, Chimney Rock Scenic Road and South Side Drive, according to the NCDOT website.
“In the past four weeks, NCDOT and its contractors have constructed about a mile of temporary road that restores access for many people who live in Chimney Rock. It has been really impressive what we’ve been able to accomplish, but we also recognize there’s a very long road ahead,” NCDOT Division 13 Construction Engineer Nathan Moneyham said.
Click here for the latest on detours and current road conditions in Western North Carolina.
Cleanup in Lake Lure
According to the Lake Lure website, a new Army Corps of Engineers contract has been awarded to AshBritt, a national turnkey rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor. It will be working with town crews and contractors on lake debris and silt removal.
The town has worked with FEMA and the Department of Environmental Quality to get a permit for debris locations in Morse Park and behind the Parks, Recreation and Lake Department on the Green Space.
Boys Camp Road Bridge: The town is waiting on an easement to proceed with a temporary bridge. Cones and signage will be added to the temporary ford to help with visibility.
Dam: Morgan Corporation is continuing the repairs to the abutment where water eroded the side of the dam. The left abutment repairs are complete and work is shifting to the right side.
Dam Bridge: The Dam Bridge is in good shape and emergency vehicles are able to get through if needed. Guard rails are being put in place on Buffalo Shoals Road, and the road should open to the public within a week or so.
The lake: The lake is currently unsafe and only town-approved workers can be out on the lake at this time. The Army Corps of Engineers contractors are working with town crews and contractors to remove debris as quickly as possible. Booms are in place to prevent large debris from going further downstream toward the dam. A hazmat boom has been strategically placed to soak up water, oil, coolants and other materials, preventing these from going downstream. It is estimated that approximately 25-30 percent of the massive debris field out in the main lake channel beyond Morse Park has been removed.
Access
Officials have asked that no one come to Town unless you live there or are working there. The NC Highway Patrol is overseeing checkpoints requiring verification to minimize traffic. The police checkpoint has been moved to The Hickory Nut Store.
Traffic to the Chimney Rock Village is also limited. Officials have established a pass system for homeowners that allows for one entry/exit per day. Entry is restricted to all others except workers.
Water/sewer
Lake Lure water and sewer bills have been suspended for the rest of 2024. Water has been restored throughout Lake Lure and the Boil Advisory has been lifted for all areas. However, a no flush order remains in place for those on the town sewer system.