The NCDOT and contractors have been working diligently to restore roads and bridges in Yancey County after Hurricane Helene. Here’s a summary of progress and ongoing efforts:
- Initial Impact: Most state-maintained roads were blocked by fallen trees and landslides. Major routes like US-19W (22 miles) and NC-197S (15+ miles) were impassable.
- Current Access: Gravel road access has been restored to all communities. Fourteen roads have been paved or chip sealed, with more planned as weather improves.
- Bridge Repairs: Over 90 bridges required work. Within 100 days, six temporary bridges and five causeways were installed, with more temporary bridges underway for locations like Little Creek Road and Murphytown Road.
- Ongoing Projects: Over 90 contractors and 80 NCDOT employees are involved. Design-Build projects are progressing for key roads, including Toe River Road, Huntdale Road, Cattail Creek Road, NC-197S, and US-19W.
Over this past weekend, heavy rain swept through and washed away the temporary ford that was put in place in The Little Creek community. The NCDOT spent the day Monday working on a rebuild.
Tyler Shelton, Madison and Yancey County maintenance engineer said rebuilding the ford is a better option for both cost and immediate access purposes. He said the next goal is to build a temporary bridge, and that DOT will maintain the ford until the bridge is built.
The temporary bridge is expected to be in place in the next month.
