KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Floodwaters from the extreme rain brought by a tropical system late last week stemming from Hurricane Helene impacted several roadways in East Tennessee and western North Carolina. Transportation officials have taken action, but some issues will take more time than others for bridge inspections, assessment and repairs.
Knoxville crews deploy to assist with search and rescue
Thousands of personnel with both Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) have been working around the clock through the weekend on clearing road debris, bridges, repairs and more. Road travel is impossible in some areas.
As of Monday morning, here’s what we know regarding traffic issues in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Interstates 40, 26 at TN/NC state line
NCDOT said Monday morning that I-40 remains impassable in multiple locations, while I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line.
On Friday, Sept. 27 a portion of the roadway along I-40 just on the NC side of the mountains washed out, near mile marker 4. Rising waters from the nearby Pigeon River onto the washed out section were seen in video and photos shared by NCDOT.