Months of closures

Destruction of Tennessee roads and bridges could mean months of closures and millions of dollars in repairs, officials say

From CNN's Elizabeth Wolfe

As Helene tore through eastern Tennessee, the storm obliterated at least five bridges, and damaged several other bridges and roadways, leaving residents to grapple with costly repairs and prolonged transportation headaches.

“The storm has caused historic destruction. We anticipate hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and months of closures,” the Tennessee Department of Transportation said in a Tuesday update.

In addition to the five state-owned bridges that were destroyed, at least 12 local bridges were washed out or closed due to damage, the department said. Crews still need to examine 90 local bridges.

Nearly 400 transportation department personnel have been mobilized to the hardest-hit communities, where they are prioritizing repairs to infrastructure that is necessary to give people access to hospitals, food, shelter and water, it said.

“TDOT crews are committed to rebuilding East Tennessee. Many are from the area, and some have even lost their home and possessions, but continue to show up to work.”