Navigating Tennessee’s Dangerous Roads and Collapsed Bridges After Hurricane Helene

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Tennessee








Navigating Tennessee’s Dangerous Roads and Collapsed Bridges After Hurricane Helene

Navigating Tennessee’s Dangerous Roads and Collapsed Bridges After Hurricane Helene

The recent impact of Hurricane Helene has caused extensive damage to Tennessee’s infrastructure, including numerous roads and bridges. Heavy rains resulted in unprecedented water levels and hazardous conditions across the state, leading to the closure of multiple road sections and several bridges being completely washed away. With repairs and assessments ongoing, it’s essential for drivers to stay informed and practice safety when navigating these dangerous areas.

Hurricane’s Impact on Tennessee’s Roads and Bridges

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is actively assessing the damage and providing updates on closures and alternate routes. Below is a summary of the affected major bridges and available detours:

Major Bridge Closures

  • I-26 at Mile Marker 40 (Unicoi County): This section is closed due to severe flooding. The bridge is considered a complete loss. Traffic is being redirected to local routes. Expect delays and use alternate interstates if possible.
  • State Route 49 (Houston County): This bridge is closed for replacement, but additional damage from the storm has delayed further construction. Use alternate routes such as State Route 13 and State Route 149 to bypass the area.
  • Bridges in Northeast Tennessee (Various Locations): Numerous bridges in Washington, Carter, and Unicoi counties have been closed for inspection and repairs. TDOT is prioritizing reopening major roadways to restore connectivity to impacted communities.

TDOT has provided detours on state and local roads to bypass closed bridges and roadways. Check TDOT’s SmartWay website for real-time updates and suggested alternate routes before traveling.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has been working with local emergency management teams and first responders to clear debris, inspect damages, and restore connectivity across the state. According to Chief Engineer Will Reid, more than 250 Region 1 employees and 60 additional staff members from other TDOT regions have been deployed to assist with the recovery efforts. With the storm bringing in excess rainfall equivalent to a 500-year event, it has caused major disruptions, overwhelming even the most robust infrastructure systems.

Reid noted that TDOT has inspected over 100 bridges within a 36-hour period, covering seven counties, but there are still hundreds more inspections to complete. As of the latest reports, 27 sections of the TDOT roadway system remain closed, and 14 state bridges are also closed. Five of these bridges have been completely washed away, with other structures still awaiting further assessment due to high water levels.

While TDOT is prioritizing the reopening of major roadways to restore connectivity as quickly as possible, there is currently no timeline for when the closed portions of Interstate 26 will be accessible again. However, TDOT aims to begin repair contracts imminently.

What to Do When Driving Near Dangerous Roads, Flood Waters, and Damaged Bridges

Navigating through dangerous roads and bridges after a severe weather event can be perilous. Here are some key tips to ensure your safety:

Avoid Driving in Flooded Areas:

  • Never drive through standing or moving water. Even a few inches of water can cause your vehicle to lose control or stall. Six inches of water can knock over an adult, while one to two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
  • If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find an alternate route. Remember the saying: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Watch Out for Road Hazards:

  • Be vigilant for debris, fallen power lines, and damaged road surfaces. Heavy rains can cause sinkholes, landslides, or severely compromise the integrity of asphalt and concrete.
  • Drive slowly and cautiously, especially at night when visibility is reduced, to avoid unexpected hazards.

Be Cautious Near Damaged Bridges:

  • Do not cross a bridge that appears damaged or if water is rushing over it. Even if the bridge looks stable, it may have been structurally weakened by the storm.
  • Obey all road closure signs and detours put in place by TDOT and local authorities. Attempting to cross closed bridges could lead to serious injury or death.

Avoid Driving During or Immediately After Severe Weather:

  • Allow time for emergency crews to assess and repair damage. If possible, delay non-essential travel until road conditions have been declared safe by local authorities.

Use Technology to Stay Informed:

  • Download the TDOT SmartWay mobile app for up-to-date traffic and road condition information. The app provides live traffic camera feeds, road closures, and detour information.
  • Follow local news and TDOT’s social media channels for real-time updates on road conditions.

How to Check for Damaged Roads and Bridges Before Traveling

Before heading out, take these steps to ensure you’re not driving into unsafe areas:

Visit the TDOT Website or Use the SmartWay App:

The TDOT website and SmartWay app are the best resources for the latest information on road closures, bridge inspections, and travel advisories in Tennessee. Make it a habit to check these platforms before traveling, especially after severe weather events.

Monitor Local News Channels:

Stay tuned to local news reports for updates on infrastructure damage and TDOT’s progress in repairing roads and bridges.

Contact TDOT or Local Authorities:

If you’re unsure about road conditions in a specific area, contact TDOT or local authorities directly. They can provide the most accurate and recent information available.

Utilize GPS and Mapping Services:

Use GPS services like Google Maps or Waze to check for road closures or detours. These apps often incorporate real-time data from state and local agencies, giving you an up-to-date view of traffic and road conditions.

Sign Up for Alerts:

Consider signing up for emergency alerts or notifications from TDOT and local government agencies to receive updates on road closures, weather warnings, and evacuation routes.

Hurricane Helene has left a lasting impact on Tennessee’s roads and bridges, with recovery efforts expected to continue for the foreseeable future. TDOT’s top priority remains the safety and welfare of residents and travelers. By staying informed, practicing safe driving habits, and utilizing the resources available, you can protect yourself and others when navigating Tennessee’s storm-damaged roads.

For real-time updates and to monitor ongoing recovery efforts, visit the TDOT SmartWay website or download the TDOT SmartWay app on your mobile device.