HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. — UPDATE: NCDOT shares a date for when I-40 work could be completed enough to get traffic moving again.
During a Wednesday briefing, North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins shared an update on roads and bridges after Helene.
Since the storm, a big concern has been the reopening of I-40 at the North Carolina and Tennessee line. The highway is closed in both directions for more than 40 miles (between exit 432 in Tennessee and Exit 20 in North Carolina) after a large chunk of it fell into the Pigeon River.
Hopkins said the goal is for the westbound lanes to be stabilized by early 2025.
"We have awarded a contract to Wright Brothers Construction to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 there in the Pigeon River Gorge," Hopkins said. "The contract does include incentives to be complete by early 2025.
"We're also coordinating with Tennessee DOT since they have damage on their side, as well as collaborating with our partners at FHWA, on the long-term plan for reconstruction of I-40 here. We plan to have that contract underway before the stabilization operation concludes," Hopkins continued.
Since Helene, NCDOT crews have reopened more than 460 roads, but more than 600 roads remain closed. Of those roads closed, 98 are primary roads.
NCDOT said it has identified more than 5,800 damage sites, which includes 500 bridges and 600 culverts. The state expects at least 100 bridges will need full replacement.
Hopkins emphasized that all roads in western North Carolina should be considered closed to clear the way for crews.
"I want to reiterate that non-essential traffic is hindering our efforts to get roads opened back up. Crews are having to stop work to allow traffic to pass through damaged areas to help us get roads open, cleared and open as fast as possible," he said.
For the latest updates on road conditions, head to DriveNC.gov.