Transportation officials say more than 8,500 damaged sites have been repaired as crews prepare for long-term rebuilding projects in Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Bat Cave
By Annie Dance | Cops & Congress | Reporting from Rutherfordton, NC
North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said on July 30 that the agency has restored access to nearly all roads damaged by Hurricane Helene, but some of the largest and most complex reconstruction projects in Western North Carolina are still ahead.
Johnson visited the Hickory Nut Gorge to meet with local leaders and NCDOT crews overseeing recovery work along the corridor connecting Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Bat Cave.
“It’s a great day to be here in the Hickory Nut Gorge,” Johnson said. “It’s great to see how much progress has been made in the restoration, not just at the roadways into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Bat Cave, but also to see businesses bouncing back, to see tourists on the street.”
The secretary said NCDOT crews were on the ground within hours and days after Helene struck in September 2024, when many areas were accessible only by foot.
“They were here when all you could do was hike in for miles just to gain access,” Johnson said. “They worked tirelessly to rebuild a temporary road where no road existed, restore access to the gorge, and now to rebuild it better than it was before.”
According to Johnson, NCDOT has completed repairs at more than 8,500 storm-damaged sites statewide, with more than 99% of closed roads reopened or access restored.
“Most of the smaller to medium-sized projects are complete,” Johnson said. “We’ve got some bigger, more complex projects to complete over the next couple of years.”
Those remaining projects include the massive reconstruction of Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, major repairs in the Hickory Nut Gorge corridor, and work in Yancey County.
Hickory Nut Gorge rebuilding continues
NCDOT officials said permanent repairs along the corridor remain in the design and permitting phase, with major construction expected to begin next spring.
Nathan Moneyham, Construction Engineer for Division 13, said crews are working with contractor Wright Brothers Construction and a design firm to finalize permanent repair plans.
“There’s still design work involved in that process, including securing our environmental permits and other things,” Moneyham said. “Our hope is and the schedule that we’re tracking for, is to really start construction in earnest throughout the whole corridor next spring.”
The work is expected to take multiple years because of the complexity of rebuilding while maintaining access for residents, businesses and visitors.
“These businesses are open, folks that live here, they come in and out of this area,” Moneyham said. “We’ve got to continue that coordination as we construct the project.”
Access remains a challenge
Officials said one of the biggest obstacles has been getting equipment, workers and materials into remote mountain areas damaged by Helene.
“Access is probably the biggest one and still one that we face even for the permanent repairs,” Moneyham said.
Crews have used temporary solutions and worked with contractors to rebuild access routes into damaged areas. Material availability also remains a challenge.
“We’ve got materials that have got to come into this area for the project,” Moneyham said. “We’re strategizing, we’re looking at on-site materials to utilize to help mitigate that risk.”
Officials said some materials are being sourced locally, including from nearby quarry operations, while other materials must be transported into the area.
Temporary road and future recreation plans
During the briefing, officials were asked about community interest in preserving portions of temporary roads for future trails or recreation use under the Raise the Rock plan in Chimney Rock.
Johnson said NCDOT is coordinating with local governments on long-term plans but must follow transportation requirements.
“The town’s got a great long-range plan for how they want to use the river as a resource,” Johnson said. “We’re limited on what we can leave, but we want to make sure that our plans help accommodate their future plans.”
Western North Carolina remains open
Johnson emphasized that visitors should continue traveling to Western North Carolina, saying most major routes have reopened.
“I want people to know that Western North Carolina is open,” Johnson said. “You have access to all the places to enjoy in Western North Carolina.”
He said U.S. 64 between Bat Cave and Hendersonville has reopened and provides a route through the region.
Officials cautioned travelers to follow posted closures and use alternate routes where necessary.
Building back stronger
Johnson said NCDOT engineers are incorporating lessons learned from Helene into future designs.
“Our engineers and designers do their best to make sure that the designs and what we’re building are as resilient as possible,” Johnson said.
He pointed to I-40 repairs as an example of efforts to rebuild infrastructure capable of withstanding future extreme weather events.
“Where we can, we’re building back in a way that’s stronger and more resilient than what we’ve had before,” Johnson said.
Johnson said hurricane recovery will remain NCDOT’s top priority until all major projects are completed.
“Helene recovery has been the department’s number one focus and will remain the department’s number one focus until we’ve completed what’s ahead of us,” he said.
For road updates, visit DriveNC.gov.
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