Asheville Prepares for US 70 Bridge Reopening After Hurricane Helene Damage

Asheville Celebrates the Reopening of the US 70 Bridge

Asheville, N.C. is buzzing with excitement as one of its busiest bridges—the US 70 bridge located near the VA Medical Center—is set to reopen on Wednesday, December 18. This bridge has been a vital part of the city’s transportation network, carrying an astonishing 16,000 vehicles each day. However, the impact of Hurricane Helene earlier this year caused significant damage, resulting in a detour that has affected many drivers, particularly those headed to important appointments.

The Struggles of Daily Commuters

For those who rely on this route, the inconvenience has been all too real. Local residents like Kenneth Clanton, who provides transportation for veterans, express a mixture of frustration and optimism. “Most of the guys have appointments at the VA that I’m responsible for,” Clanton shared, reflecting on how often he used the bridge. With most trips taking only five to six minutes when the bridge was operational, the lengthy detours have drastically changed his daily routine.

Instead of the quick trips that made his job enjoyable, Clanton now faces longer travel times. “When we have to go around and use [Interstate] 40 and [US] 70, it takes about 15 to 25 minutes,” he explained. With peak traffic times amplifying the challenge, crossing certain roads can turn into an obstacle course, especially in the busy afternoon hours.

A Promising Solution

Thankful for the upcoming reopening, Clanton and many others in Swannanoa have been eagerly awaiting this change. According to NCDOT Asheville Resident Engineer Tom Vaezey, the reopening will greatly benefit commuters. “Especially in Swannanoa, people have struggled. So, opening a small piece of this corridor is a great feeling,” he said, underscoring the bridge’s importance in the community.

The Journey to Reconstruction

Until now, the multi-month project to rebuild the bridge has not been without its challenges. “If you come 50 feet off of the bridge, there was basically nothing left here. It was debris, and the dirt we’re standing on was in the Swannanoa River,” Vaezey stated, illustrating the extent of the destruction caused by Helene. This made the rebuilding process a monumental task, requiring reinforced infrastructure to support traffic once again.

Wider Implications for Asheville

The reopening of the US 70 bridge will not only ease travel for those headed to the VA Medical Center but will also have a broader impact. “For everyone that travels [Interstate] 240 daily, this will have an impact,” Vaezey noted. The congestion commonly experienced at the junction of Tunnel Road and Interstate 240 is expected to improve significantly, making journeys more pleasant for countless drivers.

A Community on the Mend

With the bridge set to reopen, Clanton summed up the community sentiment perfectly: “Hallelujah! It’s been a long time coming. We’re thankful for the workers. They’ve been out in a lot of time and hard work. We appreciate them very much.” His words echo the collective relief of a community eager to regain a sense of normalcy.

Looking ahead, once this bridge is back in action, the construction crews responsible for its repair can now turn their attention toward other important projects that will aid in rebuilding Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene. It’s a step forward for Asheville, and hopefully, a sign of brighter days ahead for all affected by the storm.