The Tennessee Department of Transportation says 14 state bridges are closed, five of those are completely destroyed by recent storms caused by Helene.
The repair contracts to reconnect affected communities are underway, some will begin as early as tomorrow (Monday).
As water levels begin to fall additional issues are being found.
TEMA, National Guard and TDOT are all working together. 27 sections of roadways are affected.
TDOT Deputy Commissioner & Chief Engineer Will Reid says much of the work TDOT crews have focused on so far is recovery efforts and assisting local agencies.
Reid says TDOT has over 300 employees in the field across Region 1 to assess the damage and inspect bridges in preparation for repairs. He says TDOT has other Regions assisting in this recovery effort.
“Although we are getting some contracts ready for repair, we are still in the debris removal and assessment phase,” Reid said. “We have inspected over 100 bridges in the last 36 hours over seven counties. We still have hundreds to go. We are still working to assess the magnitude of this rainfall event,” Reid continued. “This event is in excess of a 500-year event, which what that means is we design our interstate bridges over hydraulic crossings for 100-year events. So, these are truly historic numbers we are seeing.”
They say 1.2 million gallons per second flowed over the Nolichucky Dam Friday, but thankfully the dam did not fail. To put that in perspective, there are 700 thousand gallons per second at Niagara Falls at it’s peak.
TDOT says they are concentrating their efforts on I-40 between mile marker 443 and 451 at the Tennessee North Carolina Line.
Also, I 26 between mile marker 40 and 43 and State route 81 in Unicoi County.
Photo courtesy of TDOT Cocke County
Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 04:42pm Courtesy of TDOT
Memphis, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Strike Force team and bridge inspection crews have been dispatched to East Tennessee to assist with recovery and repairs following historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
Region 4’s bridge inspection team is inspecting impacted bridges with high water, assessing the erosion of soil around its piers and abutments due to water flow. Scour can weaken the bridge’s structural integrity. Proper evaluation is critical for ensuring the bridge’s safety, and having the extra team members in place will allow the inspection teams to cover more ground, potentially opening any closed routes.
Our Strike Force team is a specialized group that can deploy quickly in a disaster with the equipment needed. This team is made up of emergency responders, engineers, and transportation experts who work to remove debris and ensure public safety. The goal of this team is to provide immediate relief and begin the recovery process in flood-affected communities.
While West Tennessee experienced localized flooding and downed trees, the damage in East Tennessee is vast. Damage statistics on state roadways as of midday Sunday, September 29 are as follows:
• 27 state roadway sections closed
• 14 state bridges closed
• Five state bridges destroyed
While there is no immediate timeframe for full repairs, TDOT’s current priority is ensuring public safety and reconnecting communities that have been severed due to damage. Photos for media of Region 4’s work in East Tennessee are below (please courtesy TDOT).
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.
Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic?features=incident,traffic. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information.
