North Carolina Launches Largest Transportation Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has initiated its largest transportation reconstruction program ever, addressing nearly 9,400 damaged sites including roads, highways, bridges, and rail lines. The recovery effort has involved over 2,000 NCDOT employees working more than 1 million hours, with significant federal, state, and private sector support to restore critical infrastructure and reopen isolated communities. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is monitoring the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project, which aims to drastically reduce travel time between three island provinces in Western Visayas, although the project has experienced delays due to necessary design changes. Despite setbacks, the First Lady and public remain optimistic about the project's potential to enhance inter-island connectivity, stimulate trade, tourism, and economic growth once completed. These infrastructure initiatives underscore the ongoing efforts in different regions to rebuild and improve transportation networks following natural disasters and to foster regional development. Other articles unrelated to infrastructure and transportation recovery were excluded from this summary.