North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) says 90% of roads damaged by Hurricane Helene are now partially reopened. However, recovery efforts are far from complete, with continued work to restore key infrastructure ongoing across the state.
In an effort to streamline the process and reduce costs, NCDOT will use construction materials from Pisgah National Forest for ongoing repair projects, a move officials say will expedite recovery efforts, particularly along Interstate 40, which suffered substantial damage.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) worked in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service to facilitate immediate access to the materials, a move that is expected to save hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“Lives were forever changed by this storm,” said Tim Anderson, division 13 engineer for NCDOT. “Local NCDOT staff, along with personnel from other divisions and our contract partners, have made significant progress on emergency repairs. We’re committed to continuing this effort until the work is done.”
Interstate 40 remains a focal point of recovery. The storm washed out 10 sections of eastbound lanes and shoulders along a four-mile stretch. NCDOT initially requested access to the national forest material sites by May 9, specifically for repairs along I-40, where the damage was most severe.
“We’re pleased to have I-40 open in a limited capacity, but much more work remains to fully restore the interstate,” said Wesley Grindstaff, division 14 engineer for NCDOT. “Our teams, including contractors, are up to the challenge, and we’re focused on ensuring the long-term benefits for both local residents and interstate commerce.”
The FHWA has confirmed that property rights for the national forest sites are being transferred to NCDOT, ensuring that recovery efforts will continue without delay.
As of March 27, NCDOT now has physical access to the approved material sites, allowing for a more efficient recovery process. Public meetings will continue to be held to keep residents informed and gather feedback as the recovery progresses.
The recovery efforts not only highlight the importance of efficient material sourcing but also underscore the role of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in addressing infrastructure challenges after a natural disaster. As NCDOT moves forward with repairs, the construction industry will be watching closely as a model for cost-effective, expedited recovery in similar situations.