U.S. Secretary Duffy Surveys Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in North Carolina

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited North Carolina and Tennessee to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene, particularly along I-40, and announced a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to expedite recovery efforts. This agreement will allow local authorities to source construction materials from nearby rivers, significantly reducing costs and project timelines. As heavy rainfall is anticipated, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is closely monitoring infrastructure, especially in areas affected by the hurricane where flooding risks may have changed due to altered landscapes. The Department is currently engaged in emergency repairs, with estimates indicating that the state could face up to $59.6 billion in damages due to Helene, including extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. A temporary road is under construction in Chimney Rock to facilitate access for repair crews, aiming to stabilize the remaining roadway. The urgent efforts are focused on preventing further loss of infrastructure, particularly on critical routes like I-40.