KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE/WKRN) — Tennessee Department of Transportation officials held a virtual press conference on Sunday to share the latest news on storm damage to East Tennessee roadways.
Shortly after the briefing, which can be watched in the video player above, TDOT notified News 2 that its Region 3 (Nashville area) Strike Force and bridge inspection crews are in East Tennessee to help with recovery and repair efforts following the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, officials said five bridge inspectors, 16 Strike Force members, and Region 3 Director of Operations Nathan Vatter deployed to Cocke and Sevier counties to assist Region 1 with slope failures, debris removal, drainage restoration, sinkholes, and bridge inspections.
"TDOT Strike Force is a specialized group that can deploy quickly with necessary equipment. The team is made up of engineers, equipment operators, and transportation experts who work to remove debris, make repairs, and ensure public safety," TDOT said in a statement. "The goal of this team is to provide immediate relief and begin the recovery process in flood-affected communities."
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Region 3 Strike Force briefing (Source: TDOT) ![]()
Vehicle tried to drive around barricade on side road off U.S. 321 east of Newport (Source: TDOT) ![]()
Bridge inspection (Source: TDOT) ![]()
Drainage restoration work on State Route 73 in Cocke County (Source: TDOT) ![]()
Work to clean 1-2 feet of silt off I-40 at the Hartford exit (Source: TDOT) ![]()
Work to clean 1-2 feet of silt off I-40 at the Hartford exit (Source: TDOT) ![]()
Slope failure on State Route 73 in Cocke County (Source: TDOT) ![]()
Work on State Route 73 in Cocke County (Source: TDOT)
Even though Middle Tennessee experienced localized flooding and downed trees, officials described the damage in East Tennessee as "vast." As of midday on Sunday, Sept. 29, the damage statistics on state roadways are as follows:
- 27 state roadway sections closed
- 14 state bridges closed
- Five state bridges destroyed
By 5 p.m. ET, the department reported its crews had inspected more than 100 bridges in the last 36 hours, with hundreds more to go.
While there is no immediate timeframe for full repairs, TDOT said its current priority is ensuring public safety and reconnecting communities that have been severed due to damage. In the meantime, Region 3 is standing by to send additional workers if necessary.
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