North Carolina will receive an additional $873 million in federal emergency relief funding to repair roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Announced Oct. 20 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the funding is part of a $1.6 billion nationwide relief package for transportation repairs following natural disasters. The latest allocation brings FHWA's total investment in North Carolina's Helene recovery to $2.9 billion, according to the agency.
Helene struck western North Carolina in September 2024, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides and extensive infrastructure damage. More than 9,000 damage sites and 1,400 road closures were reported statewide, according to FHWA.
The agency's Emergency Relief Program helps states repair transportation infrastructure damaged by major disasters and extreme weather.
Recovery Efforts Continue Across
Western North Carolina
Nearly two years after the storm, significant reconstruction work remains, particularly where flooding and slope failures destroyed portions of roadways.
Nearly 99 percent of state roads had reopened as of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's (NCDPS) Sept. 25, 2026, recovery update. The state reported $3.1 billion in recovery funding, including $855 million designated for matching federal funds. Approximately $9.8 billion had been awarded or disbursed for recovery efforts, according to NCDPS.
Complex Highway Reconstruction
Under Way
One example of the work required is the reconstruction of U.S. 176 near Saluda, N.C., where Helene destroyed sections of the highway.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) awarded Blythe Construction of Charlotte a $32 million contract to reconstruct a 1.1-mi. section, including repairs at 16 sites along a steep ravine, according to an Aug. 17 NCDOT announcement.
In some locations, the southbound roadway disappeared, leaving slopes dropping as much as 60 ft. to the North Pacolet River. Crews will rebuild the roadway from the river upward using soil-nail walls, pile-panel walls and grouted rock embankments.
Construction is expected to continue through late 2029. U.S. 176 will remain closed during the work, with Interstate 26 serving as the detour, according to NCDOT.
Projects of this complexity typically require five to seven years of planning and permitting, the department said. The U.S. 176 project team completed design, permitting and easement negotiations in less than two years.
Blue Ridge Parkway Recovery
Adds to Construction Work
The National Park Service (NPS) also is rebuilding roads and stabilizing slopes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where Helene caused landslides and damaged pavement, drainage systems, guardrails and other infrastructure.
The parkway sustained at least 57 landslides across nearly 200 mi. in North Carolina, according to NPS. Repairs include rebuilding failed slopes and roadbeds, stabilizing hillsides, replacing culverts and guardrails and restoring drainage systems.
As of March 2026, construction was under way at 45 remaining sites, primarily between Linville Falls and Mount Mitchell State Park, according to NPS. Steep terrain, remote work areas and a limited construction season at higher elevations complicate the projects.
Crews are using reinforced soil slopes, mechanically stabilized earth walls, rock buttresses and erosion-control systems to restore damaged areas. Heavy equipment and dump trucks are supporting the work, while temporary traffic controls and reduced speed limits help maintain safety near construction sites, according to NPS.
The parkway repairs illustrate the range of work needed to restore transportation corridors across western North Carolina, including state highways and federally managed roads.
Although most state roads have reopened, damaged highways, bridges and slopes still require substantial reconstruction. The additional federal funding is intended to advance transportation repairs and support the region's long-term recovery. ⣠CEG
