NCDOT working overtime to replace bridge destroyed by Hurricane Helene

Cleanup continues in Watauga County, where crews are working to restore power and repair roads that were destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

There are also several community care sites in Cove Creek, where folks can get access to hot meals, showers and supplies following the storm.

Things are calm now, but when Helene hit, the water got so high it flooded the area and took out the bridge on Isaac's Branch Road, leaving people in over two dozen homes stranded. NCDOT has been on site since Tuesday to build a new bridge. Families have been cleaning up for nearly two weeks. Many say this has been an extremely challenging time.

"Just putting one foot in front of the other and trusting that everything is going to be OK," Laura Ann Campbell said. "That's all you can do because I lost everything."

Meanwhile, a flipped car sits in the water a few feet away from the washed-out bridge.

"The amount of damage we are seeing here is historic," NCDOT engineer Marcus Kiser said.

Neighbors have been using a safety line, a small boat and even a makeshift walkway to get across. For NCDOT, providing emergency access for families is a priority, as the agency works with a private contractor to get a walkway built.

"That's nothing more than laying a big, long beam across the river," Kiser said. "People who are trapped can at least get across the bridge on foot, back and forth to get supplies."

Kiser said this is one of many bridges they're working on, using large beams so cars can eventually get across. He said the temporary bridge will be in place for a "very long time" until a permanent solution is built.

NCDOT crews are working overtime to get repairs done but low connectivity, a lack of power and travel conditions have created challenges in western North Carolina.

"There's a lot of main roads that are gone and secondary roads that are gone," Kiser said. "We have been to several roads where they are no more. So, then we are riding off road in our vehicles."

Crews hope to have the temporary bridge finished by the end of the week so folks can drive across, but also so power crews can reach homes with their equipment to restore electricity. #Helene #News #Weather

[thewhizbang]

Say 13 of no water power out here in Watauga county. I know the struggle. We are strong folks. Love and community will carry us through this.

[DavidH-uy]

Thank you local government.. great work

[intheshellify]

We got a bunch of people in charge that know what they are doing. I offer French taunts for all who would disagree.

[Dr_GraysGhost_]

Thank you government.. while others are bashing you