State officials including Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov./TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley recently finished an aerial survey of Upper East TN. The storm has caused historic damage to bridges and roadways, with the brunt of the impact on Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke Counties. With TDOT crews spread around the region, some are working on clean up efforts, while others are still surveying the damage. This is unprecedented in terms of impact to structures. TDOT expects this to cause significant travel issues, as long-term closures will be in place across the region. TDOT is committed to the lengthy rebuilding process and reopening our system.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has issued a map as of September 30, 2024 at 9 AM (CDT) roadway closure map, including both state and interstate roadways. The Nolichucky River Corridor should be considered closed as well as all roads in Western North Carolina.
On Saturday, September 28, five bridge inspectors and 12 Strike Force members deployed to Unicoi, Hawkins, Greene, and Washington Counties to assist Region 1 with slope failures, drainage restoration, sinkholes, and bridge inspections.
Here are the quick facts:
– TDOT has inspected over 100 bridges in the last 36 hours, with hundreds more to go.
– 27 sections of TDOT roadways are closed
– 14 state bridges are closed, 5 are gone
– Debris clearing and removal is ongoing
Local rain gauges in Manchester recorded between 4-4.5 inches over the weekend.
