RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new report from TRIP reveals the staggering $5 billion impact Hurricane Helene had on North Carolina’s roads and bridges. With over 9,000 damaged sites and $917 million in costs not covered by federal aid, state leaders warn recovery efforts could undermine long-term infrastructure plans. NCDOT has already spent $574 million on Helene-related repairs, but officials say more funding is critical to avoid jeopardizing road maintenance across the state.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — NC By Train is celebrating two major milestones—30 years of Piedmont Service and 35 years of the Carolinian—with a special event at Raleigh Union Station and a 30% discount on tickets. NCDOT Rail Division Director Jason Orthner says both lines have transformed travel across North Carolina, with ridership growing by 55% since 2019. As expansion plans look to connect even more cities like Asheville and Wilmington, officials say the future of rail travel in the state is on the right track. … Continue Reading
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A stretch of Interstate 40 through the western North Carolina mountains is reopening to traffic this weekend, months after Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding collapsed portions of the road. The state Department of Transportation said the 20-mile section on the North Carolina side of the border will officially reopen on Saturday and partially restore a major travel connection with eastern Tennessee. Large portions will now have one narrowed lane in each direction and a reduced speed limit, so delays are expected, especially during weekends. The section won’t resume fully to four lanes until late next year at the earliest.… Continue Reading
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The reopening of a section of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina that collapsed during Hurricane Helene has been delayed after more asphalt from eastbound lanes fell this week. The primary road connection between North Carolina and eastern Tennessee was severed in late September during flooding in the Pigeon River gorge. The state Transportation Department says the hope initially was to reopen the westbound lanes to two-way traffic early next month. Now it’s unclear when that will happen as engineers must determine the area is safe enough for drivers in such a narrow area.… Continue Reading