WPBN: An extremely busy bridge that had been closed for a number of months as a result of substantial damage caused by Hurricane Helene has been reopened, according to an official announcement made by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
Following an absence of three months, the United States Highway 70 bridge, which is an essential link between Asheville and Swannanoa, was reopened on the evening of Tuesday, December 17, after being closed for that period of time.
Damage happened as a result of the tremendous cyclone that battered the region, which severely compromised the structural integrity of the bridge and washed away the eastern approach, making it impossible to cross.
The closure of the bridge had a considerable effect on the transportation system in the area. On a daily basis, the bridge was traversed by an average of 16,000 cars before to the hurricane, making it an essential component of the infrastructure in the region.
It was necessary for drivers to use alternative routes because the bridge was out of operation, which resulted in an increase in the amount of traffic congestion on surrounding highways, particularly Interstates 40 and 240, which are located to the east of Asheville.
In the event that the bridge is reopened, it is anticipated that the transportation system in the region will experience much-needed respite.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has issued an official statement indicating that they anticipate that the restoration of the bridge will greatly alleviate congestion on the alternate routes when cars return to their normal travel patterns with the bridge.
The organization emphasized the significance of the bridge for passengers who commute on a regular basis as well as for the overall effectiveness of the flow of traffic in the region.
This reopening represents a significant milestone in the recovery operations that have been undertaken in the region in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The state’s dedication to addressing infrastructure losses caused by natural catastrophes in a timely manner is demonstrated by the repair and restoration of the United States Highway 70 bridge.
“From the ground up, we identified that we had to rehab the substructure, then come behind and build a reinforced retaining wall to establish the roadway again,” Tom Veazey, a Division 13 resident engineer stated. “We’re finishing the paving today for the traveling public.”
Many streets, including sections of North Carolina State Routes 81 and 197, as well as sections of roads on the state secondary system, are still closed, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
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You may learn more about the reopening of the bridge by watching the video that is provided below.
