Asheville Struggles with Road Repairs as Recovery from Storm Helene Continues

Asheville, N.C. Faces Ongoing Road Repairs After Storm Helene

It’s been over 50 days since Storm Helene swept through the beautiful mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, and the impact of the storm is still very much felt in the area. As of Sunday, November 17, almost 300 roads remain closed, marking an unprecedented challenge for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

Challenges Ahead for the NCDOT

According to the communications officer of NCDOT, David Uchiyama, the roadwork is no easy task. “The repair needs are extensive, especially in regions west of Asheville,” he explained. Major routes including I-40 are experiencing reduced congestion, but there’s still a long way to go. Areas like the Pigeon River Gorge and Swannanoa River Road are among the hardest hit, both currently closed due to the severe damage.

For those who regularly travel through Asheville, the situation is proving to be a bit of a headache. The closure of US-70 and the ongoing work on many other roads mean that traffic has increased on I-240 East, particularly between the Tunnel Road and Fairview Road exits. “It’s definitely noticeable,” Uchiyama added, highlighting that traffic levels are higher than ever, with daily averages jumping from around 55,740 in September to 72,300 between mid-October and early November—that’s a 23% increase!

A Surge of Large Vehicles

Adding to the congestion issue is the noticeable influx of larger vehicles, such as dump trucks and bucket trucks, being observed in Asheville. “We don’t have exact numbers, but anecdotally, people are reporting seeing more large vehicles on the roads,” Uchiyama remarked. This increase in heavy machinery, while necessary for repairs, is contributing to the occasional standstills on the roads.

Regional Impacts Are Widespread

Residents in the area are certainly feeling the effects, with reports of congestion popping up around Asheville, affecting all directions. Not only is I-240 feeling the strain, but I-26 has also opened one lane just over the state line in Tennessee. “There’s an increase in traffic flow north of Asheville due to this,” Uchiyama said. It’s a tricky situation as the roads are trying to accommodate both local traffic and the influx from surrounding areas devastated by the storm.

Hope for the New Year

People are hopeful that with continued efforts, there will be much to celebrate as the repairs progress. “Our goal is to have I-40 and the gorge area reopened by New Year’s Day,” Uchiyama noted. If this can be achieved, it should ease some of the congestion on local roads. However, he also added that there may be a shift in traffic to the Haywood County side as locals adapt to the changes.

Continuing Road Repair Efforts

In total, NCDOT has managed to reopen 1,054 roads since the storm took its toll. While the numbers show positive movement, the ongoing closures are a stark reminder of the storm’s devastation. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on traffic conditions as these repairs continue and to plan for delays, especially during peak hours.

As Asheville and its surrounding communities work through these challenges, the resilience of the people shines through, highlighting their commitment to rebuilding and restoring order. So whether it’s navigating the closed routes or keeping an eye on locations that have reopened, let’s all remember that this too shall pass!