Interstate 40 to Reopen in North Carolina After Hurricane Helene Damage

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that Interstate 40 will partially reopen by March 1, following extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. Two-way, one-lane traffic will resume through the gorge, where significant repairs, including the installation of soil nails and steel reinforcements, have been made by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The federal government, represented by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is collaborating with NCDOT to expedite reconstruction by utilizing local materials, which could reduce costs and time significantly. Governor Stein emphasized the importance of reopening the highway for economic recovery and connectivity between North Carolina and Tennessee. The total damage from the hurricane is estimated at $5 billion, prompting calls for federal assistance to support ongoing recovery efforts. This reopening marks a crucial step in restoring transportation in the region after nearly five months of closure.