NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A major interstate in western North Carolina that’s been shut down for months after Hurricane Helene ravaged the area will soon reopen.
Gov. Josh Stein announced on Monday Interstate 40 will reopen two lanes by March 1, 2025.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that we will reopen two lanes of I-40 by March 1. I am proud of NCDOT’s focus on this challenge and the roadworkers who have worked tirelessly to reopen roads and keep people safe. Reopening these lanes will help reconnect North Carolina and Tennessee and allow us to welcome back visitors to bolster the economy,” Gov. Stein said.
N.C. Department of Transportation crews and contractors initially focused on reopening the interstate the first week of January following the severe damage. An additional chunk of asphalt falling away from the eastbound lanes pushed back the reopening date.
“As I welcomed Secretary Duffy to North Carolina today to show him the devastating impact Hurricane Helene had on our roads, I expressed my appreciation for U.S. DOT’s partnership and emphasized that there are billions of dollars of work still to do to get people safely back on the roads. I look forward to working with Secretary Duffy and our federal partners to ensure we have the resources we need to rebuild our infrastructure as quickly as possible. And I am grateful for his visit to shine a spotlight on western North Carolina. It is clear to me that he intends to help.”
Since the devastation Helene caused in late September, NCDOT, its contractors, and partners have reopened more than 1,200 closed roads due to the storm.
