KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The death of a North Carolina woman who drove into a restricted area of I-40 in that state has been an unfortunate reminder that recovery from Helene is far from complete.
But some Tennessee state leaders have expressed cautious optimism more than a month since the storm brought historic and deadly flooding to East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Steve Borden, director for TDOT Region One, is one of them.
"In the beginning, we were around 49 routes that were shut down in that six-county area. Within the first 100 hours, we had been able to restore 25 of those. Thirty days in we were down to 14, and as of today we're down to nine," Borden said.
He praised the work of his TDOT staff, many of whom came from the same communities Hurricane Helene affected the most. He said their creative problem-solving has led to some bridges and roadways reopening quickly. He expects that to continue.
Jeremy Faison, a Republican representative for state District 11, which includes Cocke County, agreed.
He said the emotional, spiritual and physical support his community has received from far and wide has been invaluable, though he remains cautious of the road ahead.
"You can't make it into North Carolina from Tennessee. I-40 is gone, it's not rebuilt yet. For whatever reason, we have truck drivers that just don't believe that," Faison said.
He said resources are redirected every time a semi-truck or tracker trailer goes into the restricted area of I-40 near the North Carolina border.
Those diversions haven't hurt anyone yet, but it slows ongoing recovery projects, he said.
Faison said drivers need to pay attention to warning signs. For everyone else, he said he's a phone call away to answer any questions and assist those in need.
"This is a long process. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon," he said.
More information about the state's work to repair and reopen roads after Hurricane Helene is available online, on TDOT's website.