United States - September 28, 2024

In a dramatic escalation of the flood-induced chaos sweeping through East Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has confirmed the structural compromise and subsequent closure of the SR 353 bridge over the Nolichucky River. This incident, unfolding amidst the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene, has left approximately 1,380 daily commuters stranded, exacerbating the region's isolation.

The bridge's collapse, or more accurately, its compromise, comes at a time when the Nolichucky River, swollen by relentless rainfall from Hurricane Helene, has already wreaked havoc across Greene County. This event not only signifies a significant blow to local infrastructure but also paints a dire picture of the ongoing crisis in the region.

According to preliminary assessments, the bridge, which is part of SR 353, was unable to withstand the scour from the floodwaters, leading to the failure of its concrete pier substructures. This failure has effectively severed a vital artery for local traffic, with no immediate resolution in sight as emergency teams prioritize human safety over infrastructure repair.

The closure of SR 353 is just one in a series of infrastructural casualties reported in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Posts on social media platform X have echoed the sentiment of a region under siege, with bridges across the Nolichucky, Little Pigeon, and French Broad rivers collapsing or being deemed unsafe for passage. This has left residents isolated, some trapped in their homes with no immediate means of egress or ingress.