KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This week marks six months since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of East Tennessee and western North Carolina. While the majority of Tennessee roads have reopened, five sections remain closed.
The massive storm took lives , destroyed homes , damaged bridges , shut down part of I-40 between Tennessee and North Carolina , and damaged I-26 in Unicoi County . United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said this would “be the most expensive emergency relief project that we have ever had in the country.”
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During these six months, I-40 partially reopened . Of the 49 sections of state roads closed in the aftermath, 44 are back open, according to a Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson. Businesses have reopened , and park trails have been restored .
Yet, there is still so much left to do . Five road sections remain closed, according to TDOT, including the following:
- Carter SR67 (bridge) estimated opening: May 31, 2025
- Greene SR107 (bridge) estimated opening: June 23, 2025
- Washington SR81 (bridge) estimated opening: June 23, 2025
- Carter/Johnson SR159 estimated opening: August 31, 2025
- Washington SR353 (bridge) estimated opening: May 22, 2026
In the aftermath, the people of East Tennessee have come together help, from retired couples to high school students .
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Some people have said their FEMA checks have been stolen. Other people have had their insurance companies deny coverage on lost homes. The six months of struggle are reminiscent of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s words in the aftermath of the disaster.
“Whether it’s a loss of a family member, a loss home, the loss of water, the loss of employment… they’re survivors,” Lee said. “Tennesseans are survivors.”…