This past fall, Hurricane Helene devastated communities in the Southern US, with states like North Carolina and Tennessee bearing the brunt of the damages. This storm has ominously been deemed the “Katrina of the Mountains,” to describe the depth of the damage and devastation. While repairs are being made and recovery is underway, life for locals cannot return to normal until they can get back to work and businesses can reopen to tourist traffic. Here are some of the major damage statistics from the storm and the current bridge and road repairs under construction.

Helene’s damage

Historic buildings were devastated, businesses and homes destroyed, and river communities turned to debris fields. In total, the damage/losses caused by Hurricane Helene – as well as Hurricane Milton, which occurred very shortly after—are estimated to cost a historic and unprecedented $50 billion each. Here are some of the shocking statistics from this storm:

• The hurricane caused over 4.7 million power outages in the affected US states and 3.5 million with disruptions to their water supply.
• Farmers’ crops were ravaged: Georgia farmers suffered storm losses of at least $5.5 billion, $3.1 billion in North Carolina, $630 million in Virginia, $452 million in South Carolina, and $162 million in Florida.
• Hurricane Helene has been named the third-deadliest hurricane of the modern era (after Maria and Katrina), with a death toll of over 200 people.

Repairs will take a long time, and recovery is slow-going, but it’s times like these that bring people together; fortunately, resources, supplies, and support from across the country poured into the affected communities.

Repairs to roads and bridges

In response to massive damages and risks, state, local, and federal government funds have been pooled to ensure that all local transportation routes are being repaired. Officials from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) estimated that restoring roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure will cost approximately $5 billion. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is receiving $32 million in Emergency Relief funding.

Here are some road and bridge repair projects currently underway or that have been recently completed:

• In Roanoke, VA., the Wiley Low Water Bridge has officially reopened after being closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
• A bridge in Asheville, N.C. on U.S. Route 70 has been repaired and reopened this past week. This has significantly reduced traffic build-up for residents and tourists, since this is a major route in the area.
• Between North Carolina and Tennessee, I-40 is still closed for traffic. Resources are being poured into the repair construction project; however, a recent landslide delayed reopening plans even further.
• U.S. 276 has reopened near Caesars Head in Greenville County, SC. The road was washed out, but repairs are completed, including a newly installed guardrail.

Thankfully, communities in the Appalachian mountains have rallied together, providing shelter, food, and comfort to their neighbors, and are recovering from this disaster. Resources continue to be available for those in need: FEMA is providing Federal Assistance for Privately-Owned Roads, Bridges, Driveways – click here to apply or share the link with someone in need.

Building the Best with U.S. Bridge

Whether making bridge repairs or constructing new structures, U.S. Bridge provides comprehensive and high-quality service that is friendly and time-efficient. As industry leaders and pioneers in several construction industry firsts, we know the importance of top-of-the-line materials, unique and reliable designs, and the industry’s top engineers.

Working with us means working with professionals at every stage of the process. Get in touch with us now to begin the process, or use our exclusive Bridgescope tool for a jumpstart.