The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has successfully reopened two crucial state routes, SR 350 in Greene County and SR 133 in Johnson County, after Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage across East Tennessee. The storm, which struck last week, destroyed five bridges and inflicted hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the region’s infrastructure.
In the aftermath, SR 350, also known as Jones Bridge Road, was severely affected, with debris piled 30 feet high and parts of the road washed away. Utility poles were bent, and the road’s foundation was exposed. Despite these challenges, TDOT managed to clear and repair the route within 120 hours, thanks to the efforts of 75 dedicated employees. Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley praised the team’s commitment to reconnecting the affected communities.
Latest TN News
To view a recap video of the efforts on SR 350, you can visit the following platforms: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3shvvyJGg), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/v/rdsCUc6pu4fM5xNu/?mibextid=WC7FNe), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DAttDJYJgZf/), and [X](https://x.com/myTDOT/status/1842287102966284514).
TDOT remains committed to keeping the public informed during the recovery process. A dedicated webpage has been created for storm updates, accessible [here](https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/hurricane-helene-recovery.html). The page provides daily updates at approximately 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT, featuring a Project Status Tracker and a map of East Tennessee closures. Updates are also shared on TDOT’s social media channels. For real-time road conditions, visit [SmartWay](https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic?features=incident,majorImpact,traffic).
Recovery highlights include the reopening of 30 out of 49 initially closed state route sections, inspections of all state-owned bridges over water, and assessments of 35 out of 90 locally owned bridges requiring evaluation. Over 400 TDOT team members continue to work diligently to restore and reconnect the affected communities safely and efficiently.
Source: Read Original Release
Governor Lee Assesses Tennessee Storm Damage
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited Greene and Cocke counties to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene, meeting with first responders and survivors, and evaluating ongoing relief efforts. Shelters and resources for storm victims are available, with safety guidelines and assistance options outlined for those affected.