Tennessee Transportation Department Reopens Key Routes Damaged by Hurricane Helene Flooding

On Monday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced the reopening of two crucial routes in East Tennessee that suffered extensive damage due to the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

State Route 350, also known as Jones Bridge Road in Greene County, faced significant destruction, with debris piled up to 30 feet high. The flooding washed away large sections of the road, leaving behind exposed dirt and bent utility poles, creating hazardous conditions for drivers.

Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley praised the efforts of the TDOT team, stating, "In just 120 hours, 75 TDOT employees worked tirelessly to remove dozens of truckloads of debris from Jones Bridge Road and repair the asphalt craters caused by the storm. Their dedication to reconnecting communities is unparalleled as they continue to make progress day after day."

Additionally, State Route 133 in Johnson County has also reopened, providing relief to local residents and travelers.

However, the situation remains critical in Cocke County, where I-40 East is currently closed at mile marker 440, and I-40 West is shut down from the Tennessee/North Carolina state line to mile marker 447. The TDOT has not provided a specific timeline for the reopening of these sections, leaving many commuters in uncertainty.

The catastrophic flooding occurred on September 27-28, as Hurricane Helene moved inland, leading to tragic consequences with 15 reported fatalities and several individuals still unaccounted for. The community continues to rally together in the aftermath of this natural disaster, as recovery efforts are underway.